GBA seeking GOA/NSC assistance for boxers return

Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) on Monday informed that the four boxers stranded in Cuba have been given approval to return home.

According to a release from the association, this information was given during informal discussions with the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.

The release also stated that to date the GBA has not received official correspondence from the COVID-19 Task Force which was written to over two weeks ago.

Steve Ninvalle

Nevertheless, the association has commenced efforts to bring home the mentally-drained athletes. All angles are being explored and no stone will be left unturned in what must now be viewed as national effort, as their training stint to Cuba was with intention of representing Guyana at the AMBC Olympic Qualifier, the release stated.

The GBA has since written to the Guyana Olympic Association and the National Sports Commission to render assistance in having the four boxers returned to Guyana.

These two organisations joined forces in order to send the team to Cuba and it is hoped that this union will create a passage for its return. Light welterweight Colin Lewis, light heavyweight Dennis Thomas, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam and bantamweight Keevin Allicock have been stranded in Cuba for 68 days. Three of the four are breadwinners so their unintentional and extended absence has negative economical impact for their respective families.

The release concluded that GBA remains committed to bringing back home the quartet at the earliest possible time.