Ferguson builds blocks of boxing

THE BUSTLING village is best known for its factory that manufactures the largest amount of clay building blocks this part of the Caribbean. However, former national amateur boxing champion Allan Ferguson is laying the foundation of what he optimistically hopes will make Longdenville better known for another unrelated product. For the past couple weeks, Ferguson, assistant manager of the Revival Boxing Gym of Port-of-Spain has been the driving force behind a series of coaching and training sessions targetting the youngsters of the district, several miles east of Chaguanas. In an airless Longdenville Community Centre last Sunday, three pairs of enthusiastic boys and a young woman listen intently to award-winning coach Rufus Edwards as he takes them through the paces. He impressess upon them the importance of a proper stance, tight defence and balance. “Don’t move too fast,” he urges one pair of aspiring pugilists as he takes a personal interest in helping them get the correct technique in executing their jabs. Assisted by reigning Caribbean Amateur Boxing Championships gold medallist Terrance Lokai, the young people would be engaged in skipping exercises, an aerobic workout, stretching and a routine on the floor mat to strengthen their abdominal muscles.

It is an ambitious programme to revive the sport in rural districts starting in Longdenville, which in the past has produced several stick-fighters of note. Edwards praises Ferguson for the initiative and observed that the young people responding to the invitation to participate are keen to learn the fundamentals. “It’s a start and we are encouraged. We expect more participants later on especially during the school vacation. So something postive is certain to come out of it,” said Edwards. Ferguson hopes to take the caravan to several other outlying districts but stresses that the results of this formative exercise will point the way forward for Revival, one of the oldest boxing clubs in Trinidad and Tobago. He said while the basics of the sport can be taught initially, much more effort is needed as the participants increase their knowledge and skill. “For instance, we have two makeshift floor mats, really two sheets of ply and a pair of boxing gloves. Pretty soon we will require much more equipment in order to progress with the programme,” said Ferguson. Indeed punching bags, gloves, head-gear, mouth guards, bandages and emergency medical supplies are the staple of any such boxing programme, all sadly lacking at this stage of the Revival mission. However Ferguson is optimistic that contributions would come in to keep the yougsters involved and the boxing programme alive. “Apart from getting them involved in a healthy sport, we are aiming to shape their lives and prepare them for the future. They are being taught that the future is in some productive endeavour not in the street on in a life of crime,” said Ferguson. The programme continues tomorrow from 9.30 am.