??

Minister Stephen Lashley greeting members of the Hungary team.

Barbadians are again being urged to support the upcoming International Amateur Boxing Association Women Boxing Championships by attending the 10 days of ???rumbling and tumbling’ in the rings at the Wildey Gymnasium.

Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley, reiterated the call yesterday during a ???meet and greet’ session at the Grantley Adams International Airport, where about 200 boxers, coaches and delegates arrived from several countries, including Holland, Sweden, Romania, Hungary, India, Poland, China and Morocco. He encouraged them to enjoy the Barbadian hospitality and beaches.

After welcoming the visitors to the island, Mr. Lashley told the media: "All the preparations and infrastructure are in place and all that is required is for Barbadians, particularly women, … to come out and support these females who are competing and hoping to be at the Olympics in 2012…

Some of the female boxers enjoying the tuk band music at the airport.

"The championship is actually a pre-qualifier for the Olympic Games … I think Barbadians should recognise that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that all you have to do is purchase a ticket, come out and enjoy a bit of history [in the making]."

He stressed that the island, including corporate Barbados, hoteliers and taxi operators, had a lot to gain from the international event, adding it would be showcased on some of the global networks, including ESPN.

Mr. Lashley disclosed that they had received a lot of queries from Barbadians about the championships and promised the marketing campaign would continue. "We have done some marketing in the Caribbean … I am told the feedback has been very good and I believe we will be getting some persons in the Caribbean coming up for the championships.

?????????????????? Women between the ages of 17 and 34 will compete in the tournament which runs from September 9 to 18, and is staged in 10 weight categories, ranging from 45 kgs to +81 kgs.??saustin@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest