Partnership To Revive Boxing: Bala
The Fiji Police Force received close to $40,000 worth of boxing equipment which included an Olympic standard boxing ring donated by the One Dream team of Johnny Lewis.
Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala launched the partnership at the Fiji Police Special Response Unit in Nasinu yesterday.
“I’m delighted to be invited to this event in support of the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association and the Johnny Lewis Fiji Sports Project partnership,” he said.
“I wish also acknowledge the efforts of the organisers from Australia and Fiji who have been working tirelessly to revive and develop amateur boxing in our country.
“This initiative by Johnny Lewis Fiji Sports Projects in conjunction with One Dream Australia and Fiji both of which are private pro-bono initiatives established to assist Fijian sports people.”
Bala said the project has set a target to achieve their goals by:
- Providing local access to Olympic level, technical training, facilities and equipment;
- Establishing pathways for athletes to access both international training facilities, programmes and competitive platforms;
- Providing higher educational opportunities; in support of the athletes sporting endeavor via scholarships to foreign learning institutions.”
Bala also highlighted that through the support of Government they would working hand in hand with FABA to revive the sport.
“The Fiji First Government’s commitment is to ensure Fiji has the best sports facilities in preparing our athletes for local and international competitions.
“This we hope to have it completed and ready by the middle of the year.
“It is profound to acknowledge Mr. Johnny Lewis for his determination to rejuvenate the sport and ensuring that our boxers train in facilities with Olympic standards.
“And I say this with confidence – with the high class training facilities provided through this partnership, Fiji will be a top contender for medals in the Pacific Games in Samoa in July 2019 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualification tournament.”
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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