Boxing awards for pupils
The Eastern Cape Amateur Boxing Federation awarded 26 primary and high school-going amateur boxers for their efforts and love for boxing at Ncerha Village 7 at the weekend.
The awards recognise different schools in the Eastern Cape who are making a contribution to the sport.
“The criteria we used is based on the children’s performance during the year. For example, how many tournaments they participated in this year from local to national level,” said organiser Lungile Mbaru.
“We know the children are not professional boxers but as the federation we came up with the idea of encouraging them through awarding them for all their efforts and contribution to boxing in the Eastern Cape.”
The awards fell into four catand egories: most promising boxer, best junior boxer, best girl boxer and senior best boxer.
Uviwe Nzima, 14, from Gcobani Primary in Mdantsane who got the promising boxer of the year award said: “I started boxing last year and I have been attending gym where we practice every day. I have not attended any tournament yet but I think they saw that I dedicate myself and that is why I was awarded.”
Awarded for best boxer in the female category, Anathi Mgayi, from Danisile Senior Secondary School in King William’s Town said: “I have always had an interest in boxing but I was shy as people see it as a sport for men. I decided to join the local gym where they were training both boys and girls. This award is a confirmation for me that there is no sport for girls or boys, whatever one loves doing they must do it.”