Development in local boxing: Moore takes on IBA training in April

Another chapter in the development of boxing in Guyana has been written with the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA’s) thrust to empower its technical officers: trainer Clifton Moore will participate in the International Boxing Association’s (IBA’s) Online 1 Star Coaching Course, which is slated for April 2023.
Moore’s participation has been confirmed by an official release from IBA Development Officer Chris Roberts, OBE, which states, “We are pleased to inform you that your coaches have been selected to participate in the 1-Star Coaches Certification course organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Congratulations on taking this important step in their coaching career.”
The IBA 1 Star Coaching Certification is the beginning pathway for emerging trainers to ascertain international accreditation under the governing body.
Moore, who hails from the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym in Region #3, will be among 39 participants at the prestigious forum. Among the countries that would be represented are Belgium, Bermuda, Cape Verde, Chinese Taipei, England, Iran, Italy, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zambia.
The course would be run from April 4–12 via the online platform Zoom, with March 30 scheduled as the final date for confirmation by the respective national associations.
According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, “This is another tangible example of the association’s unwavering pledge to empower its technical officers, who in return will impart the knowledge acquired to the benefit of the sporting landscape. We believe that qualified teachers will naturally develop competent students, and certification and accreditation via international channels is pivotal to the development of the discipline. This is the only way that a collective approach to development can occur.”
He further stated, “Because the Caribbean is only represented by a small cadre of trainers at this forum, Moore’s participation is even more important, and evident of the GBA’s push to certify its trainers. This is a pillar in our developmental agenda, a synergy that exists in the advancement of both athletes and coaches, and this will be a constant objective and mantra for the foreseeable future.”
Coach Moore, who is tasked with leading a squad of boxers at an international assignment in St. Lucia in the final days of April, is the second technical officer from the GBA to participate in IBA certification training within a month.
Three-star coach Sebert Blake was afforded the opportunity to participate in the IBA Cutman’s Technician Course which has just been concluded. It was held at the Women’s World Championship in New Delhi, India from March 15–31. Blake, who is part of a small cadre of Three Star coaches in the Caribbean, was the first ever Guyanese to participate in such an important seminar. At the time of the seminar, Blake served as the trainer for the Caribbean Junior Champions: siblings Alisha and Abiola Jackman, at the prestigious competition.