ABAP intensifies boxing’s grassroots program

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) opens 2010 with the staging of the National Youth Invitational Boxing Championship in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Open to boxers Under 18 years old, both in the boys and girls divisions, the Championship is slated from Jan. 25 to 29 with the objective of tapping young boxers who can compete in two international tournaments this year. Azerbaijan will host a Youth Olympics qualifying event in April where the winners earn slots in the 1st Youth Olympics in Singapore from Aug. 14 to 26.

"We need to develop our young boxers to ensure fresh talents for the national team. The tournament will feature the best 18-and under boxers who have won in different regional championships as well as potential boxers identified by our national coaches," said ABAP executive director Ed Picson. ABAP has held four regional championships in 2009 – Quezon province, Ormoc, Panabo City and Mandaluyong City. Boxing has been a source of pride for the country as the nationals continuously reaped medals in international competitions. In the last Laos SEA Games, RP’s 10-member boxing team won nine medals with Bill Vicera, Charly Suarez and lady boxers Alice Kate Aparri, Josie Gabuco and Annie Albania each winning the gold. "Strengthening the grassroots program is one of the major thrust of ABAP and that is why we are in full support for the staging of the National Youth Championships," added ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio. Aside from the youth tournaments, the country is also preparing for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November. As an added motivation, ABAP chairman and telecommunication mogul Manuel V. Pangilinan has pledged to give P3 million for each gold medal won by the local boxers. This is on top of the P2 million pledged by the PSC. – GMANews.TV