`I get joy fighting for my country’
—says Keevin Allicock on eve of his departure for high level training camp in Russia compliments of the GOA
Olympic Games bound boxer, Keevin Allicock and his coach, Sebert Blake are off to Moscow, Russia today, where they will be an integral part of a high-level, three-week training camp ahead of the Olympic Games scheduled for July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan
The preparatory sojourn was made possible by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).
These and other details were disclosed yesterday during a press briefing at the GOA’s headquarters at Liliendaal.
At the briefing, GOA’s President, K Juman-Yassin congratulated the pair and gave the 22 year-old pugilist a vote of confidence and encouraged him to visualize being on the podium at the prestigious games.
“You are already successful by being there but I want you also to see yourself medaling. If you don’t see yourself winning then you won’t win. You have to be able to see that.”
He added, “So, apart from seeing yourself in Tokyo, you have to see yourself raising the Golden Arrowhead. We all will be there rooting for you and I know you will do your best so regardless, whatever it is, we are happy and proud and we want to congratulate you and Sebert.”
President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, stated that Allicock qualifying for the games was an achievement on its own and pointed out that the featherweight’s heroics has rejuvenated the fistic sport locally.
“The Guyana Boxing Association is extremely elated to know that Keevin has qualified for the Olympics. As I said before I was cautiously optimistic that he would have made that grade. It is the first time in 25 years and his qualification is a
fillip for the sport of boxing in Guyana. It has rejuvenated many sectors of the sport, meaning youth, juniors, schoolboys and elite.”
Ninvalle said Allicock’s achievements were an extension of the hard work and support of the GBA, the GOA and others.
“This is an extension of the hard work and the support we have been having from the GOA. The association has been unflinching in their support of boxing and I guess with this sort of approach that we need.”
Vice President if the GOA, Dr. Karen Pilgrim, spoke highly of the Commonwealth Youth Games silver medalist sounding like a proud mother,
calling him her ‘son’ while stating that whenever Allicock represents Guyana, he always does his very best.
“I am so very proud of my ‘son’, I never doubted he would have gotten to the Olympics, if not this one, the next. There was never any doubt in my mind since I met him, it was obvious to me with the talent and the passion that he had. No matter what he achieves there (in Tokyo), I know it will be his best. He always does his best for Guyana and once he gets the opportunity he always will.”
Meanwhile, Three-Star AIBA Coach Blake, who has been in Allicock’s corner since the age of 14, gave the assurance that his charge will put his best punches
forward.
“Keevin has put in a lot of work to get to where he is today and I want to give Guyana some assurance that he will give it his all to make the nation proud.”
Allicock echoed a similar sentiment adding, “It is an honour to represent my country at the Games and I want to say this means a lot to me. I always told my Coach we will go to Tokyo and here I am living the dream. I get joy fighting for my country and I will do my best.”
The youth from Albouystown then thanked the GOA, the GBA, his family friends and supporters for being in his corner.