Sports Minister makes boxing equipment donation

Smith is also the Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central.

The presentation of equipment by the Sports Minister was part of the mandate of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control (TT BBC) to facilitate the development of boxing and to regulate boxing contests throughout the twin-island republic.

According to a media release, “the rationale for the handing over of equipment is to project an eagerness to train by young boxers and also to improve the quality of training by the coaches.” The media release continued, “the Minister has advised that an aspect of the Government’s policy is to focus on the grassroots to have a level playing field where sport is available to all.

The Minister also called on parents to ensure that the environment is safe for their kids to work and play.

He envisioned working with parents in an effort to train them in the correct way to support and encourage their children rather than pressure them.” The Sports Minister stressed on the need to develop more children in sport at an earlier age, namely at the primary school level, so that they benefit from the available programmes before entering secondary school.

The aim is to nurture and secure a pool of talented young athletes from which to continue to build sport in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr Barry Ishmael, chairman of the TT BBC, stated that the equipment distribution was part of its overall mandate to develop and expand boxing as part of the strategic vision.

There are 13 gyms to set to receive equipment which would be monitored on an ongoing basis by the TBBC co-ordinators.