The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), on Friday at the DSL Headquarters, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, saw Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) brand the Mike Parris U-16 Boxing tournament under their Pepsi brand.
At the simple press conference hosted, President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, stated that the association is happy, since the beverage giant has renewed its sponsorship with the association for the 7th year, to assist in the development of youth boxing in Guyana.
Ninvalle also said, “In 2012, we formed a partnership with DDL, and that gave birth to the GBA/Pepsi Mike Parris U-16 tournament. From that tournament, there has been a spill-off effect whereby we were able to host the Caribbean School Boys and School Girls Junior Tournament, which is the only of its kind in Latin America”.
DDL representative Larry Wills handing over a cheque to President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, in the presence of Technical Director Terrence Poole
The GBA President also said the tournament has had its successes, one of which is local talent Kevin Allicock, who has worked his way up the ranks in the tournament.
Also speaking on behalf of the GBA was Technical Director Terrence Poole, who thanked DDL for staying on board with the association. He also said that, besides Allicock, the GBA has produced many other talented boxers, and he has promised DDL that the GBA will continue to grow and produce more talents, in hope of the beverage giant not only supporting the School Boys and School Girls Tournament, but the Elite League.
DDL Representative Larry Wills added that DDL appreciates the way the programme is held and executed, and would look forward for the same high standard this year. Wills also noted that DDL, under its Pepsi brand, is very willing to support its “grass roots” projects, wherein they can assist children in sports or outside the realm of sports, as DDL would always continue to support sports in Guyana.
In closing, Ninvalle stated that the upcoming tournament is the second tournament for the year that the GBA has hosted.
Action gets underway today from 13:00hrs at the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown.
Some of the participating gyms are Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pocket Rocket, Rose Hall Jammers, Young Achievers, Sophia Boxing Gym and Harpy Eagles. Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan will be on hand to assess the young fighters.
