Ninvalle stands behind decision to halt qualifiers

COVID- 19

…boxing gyms join list of closed sport facilities

This past weekend in London, over 350 boxers stared danger in the face as they competed in the European Olympic Boxing qualifiers. Important to note is the fact that Britain has had 35 deaths and over 1300 persons reportedly infected with the deadly coronavirus.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Flashback to one week ago, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, disclosed to media operatives that the Americas Olympic Qualifier for boxing, billed for Argentina from March 26 to April 3, would be cancelled, based on word from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC).
As such, it was puzzling why Europe would go ahead with putting the athletes’ health at risk in order to commence the qualifier over the weekend. While the event is currently suspended, Ninvalle is of the opinion that it should not have begun in the first place and stands firmly behind the AMBC’s decision to cancel the Americas’ leg of the qualifier.
“I totally support the cancellation,” Ninvalle told this publication in an overseas interview.
“At this point in time, I think what is of priority is the safety, health and wellbeing of the competitors and officials,” he went on to note.
When probed about the possibility of hosting the qualifiers indoors without an audience, the GBA boss noted that the idea could be a possibility going forward, but preventing the spread of the pandemic virus remains as the top priority.
“Yes, I think they can explore that but that does not take away the threat of spreading of the virus as you have persons coming from 42 countries,” Ninvalle explained.
Meanwhile, The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) over the weekend sent communication to the boxing gyms, which are affiliated with their association, an advisory which states that all gyms under its affiliation should halt all non-essential activity for the next two weeks as Guyana continues to monitor the coronavirus pandemic.
The move was taken to assist in curbing the spread of the coronavirus locally. GBA President Steve Ninvalle had dispatched a letter to all head of gyms calling for the immediate halt to sparring and non-essential activity.
“With the threat of the coronavirus, the Executive of the GBA has put on hold all competitions until further notice. We ask that there be an immediate halt to sparring and non-essential training. The executive wishes to thank all parties for their expected compliance,” the letter to the gym heads stated.
In addition, the GBA was forced to postpone the hosting of the CARIFTA Tournament which was scheduled for the Easter weekend, April 11 to 13 in Guyana. Several Caribbean countries had already signalled their intention of participating. (Jemima Holmes)