Winfield Braithwaite School Boys and Juniors: Youth boxing team encouraged to make the most of preparation
In a matter of days, a team of 17 Guyanese boxers would embark on their first regional tournament in two years; and for some, it will be the first time ever that they trade punches with their regional counterparts.
Several members of the Guyanese Youth team that will spring into action this weekend
The occasion is the Winfield Braithwaite School Boys and Juniors tournament, scheduled for August 26-28th at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The local boxers, drawn from several gyms across the country, are currently encamped as they await the arrival of their regional counterparts. However, they were hosted by their coaches and supporters for a working lunch on Tuesday, during which they shared their expectations with the youth team and the media.
“We started our preparation three weeks ago, and the boxers are 90% – 95% physically fit and prepared to go,” National Coach Lennox Daniels informed.
Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Technical Director Terrence Poole revealed high expectations for the team, especially since the GB has been boosting their youth programme since February of this year.
“Let me start by saying this Caribbean School Boys and Juniors tournament, how important it is to the region. What we’re doing in Guyana is the only country in the Region that has international school boys and girls tournaments,” Poole stated.
He continued about the Guyanese team, “I can say they’re very, very enthused, they’re showing that emotion that they want to win, which is very important. So, we can say come this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we should be seeing a lot of potential from the Guyanese boxers.”
Instead of boasting of their capabilities, GBA supporter Samuel Gittens had a few words of encouragement for the team. Gittens said, “If you want to be successful, you can’t afford to say you’re too tired to go to training. Whatever you put into it is exactly what you’ll get out of it. Put in commitment, you’ll get success.”
The Guyanese team reads: Shawn Sabola (Rose Hall Jammers) Matthew Thomas (RHJ), Travis Sancho (RHJ), Joshua Thambaran (RHJ), Arlington Johnson (RHJ), Jahuan Haniff (RHJ), Markel Blue (Vergenoegen Boxing Gym), Garvel Hyman (VBG), Malachi Greenidge (Forgotten Youth Foundation), Tequan Sampson (FYF), Seon Graham (FYF), Shaquan James (FYF), Dwane Baptiste (FYF), Eon Bancroft Jnr (Young Achievers), Kendel De Monic (YA), Jerimiah Duncan (PPBG) and Yusdiel Gala (‘Six Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym).
