Women urged to support boxers

WOMEN have been urged to come out in their large numbers and support the Barbadian and Caribbean boxers when the sixth AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships come off at the Wildey Gymnasium from September 9 to 18. This call was made by the Minister of Sport, Youth and Family at a Press conference last Friday called to bring everyone involved up-to-date with the progress of the preparations for the world class event. The minister noted that there was a high ratio of women to men in Barbados and once the women go out in their numbers the men will follow. “Nothing will give me greater pleasure than to hear hundreds of screaming Barbadian supporters cheering wildly each time one of the Barbadian or Caribbean boxers enters the ring. Of course we want to hear them for the others as well,” the minister said.In addition to encouraging everyone to join the hundreds who will fly into the country for this spectacle, Minister Lashley threw out a challenge to corporate Barbados to come on board in whatever capacity they can to help make this a success.     “This is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers and service providers to showcase their products and services to the world,” Lashley said.“Eighty five or more countries will be focused on the Wildey Gymnasium. The official opening ceremony, the semi-finals, the finals and the closing ceremony will all be telecast and broadcast live around the world.“We cannot put a dollar figure on the exposure Barbados, and by extension the region, will gain as a result of this championship. It is going to be a spectacle like no other, apart from Cricket World Cup, ever seen in Barbados.”Barbados is being represented by six of our best boxers in Greeta Narine  who will face competition in the featherweight division, Jenny Benedick in the lightweight, Molissa Narine in the light welterweight, Kimberley Gittens in the welterweight, Milissa Clarke in the middleweight and Shakana Martin in the light heavyweight categories. The team will be led by coach Gary Bowen, with Shawn Worrell as assistant coach and Rowena Walcott as manager. (CH)