Over 60 students turned up at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima last Wednesday, to witness the launch of the Boxing Promoters Boxing Academy gym at the southern entrance of the facility. Students from all parts of the eastern district of St George came out to show their interest for the sport and pay tribute to the late boxing great, Jizelle Salandy, and the legacy she left. Many were quick to say that she was the sole reason that they attended. The gym model has been created and funded in part by the projects department of the Sport Company of T&T with the Ministry of Sport supplying the equipment.
The initiative was headed by special advisor to the T&T Boxing Board of Control (T&TBC), Boxu Potts, who clearly stated that the facility was geared towards servicing all the communities and schools within the St George East District and was open to everyone. Potts also stated that the T&TBC’s projected plan was to replicate more boxing gyms throughout the country including Mayaro, Tobago (three gyms), San Juan, St Mary’s Home in Tacarigua, Siparia (home of the late Jizelle Salandy), Point Fortin, Diego Martin, Carenage, Barataria, Sangre Grande and Toco.
Potts said his promise was to go into the vineyards to revive the sport and he has started this journey in fulfilling that promise. At the moment there are two other sporting options available at the academy: track and field and football and very soon additional disciplines will be added. These too are free and are geared towards the St George East District community. On Saturdays, free meals are provided for children and free uniforms and shoes are also provided for children of the academy.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt