The landscape of boxing was further transformed on Monday afternoon in the Ancient County of Berbice when the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport officially opened the doors of the spanking new, state of the art, Michael Parris Boxing Gym.
Named after Guyana and the Caribbean’s only Olympic Boxing medalist, Michael Parris, the gym is located at Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam Berbice.
Sharing the historic moment were Hon. Charles S. Ramson MP., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Steven Jacobs MP., Minister within the Ministry, of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Zamal Hussain MP., Kashif Muhammad Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Junior Basant Chairman Region Six, Steve Ninvalle Director of Sport and President of the Guyana Boxing Association, among other officials.
Also savoring the occasion was the man in whose honour the gym was named, Michael Parris along with the man whose idea and dream for such a facility became reality after making the request known at a presidential outreach back in 2023, Jeff Roberts.
In bringing context to the realisation of the facility, Minister Ramson in the feature address stated that the stories is what gives the framework and the meaning to life.
“We are not just opening the doors to a boxing gym, we are opening the doors to opportunities and the transformation of lives for young people.”
He said boxing and most sports, all sports, but particularly boxing, teaches discipline and will allow young people to have a brighter future for our country.”
Minister Ramson further stated that “investing in infrastructure is also investing in people” because the facilities allow the transformation in people possible.
He emphasised that investment in facilities throughout Guyana has been a major priority by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party government over the past six years.
The Michael Parris Boxing Gym he said is a positive option for the youths to aim high in life and what they can achieve by becoming a boxer.
“So it requires physical strength, mental toughness, patience, focus, and self-control. It teaches young people how to handle pressure, adversity, and setbacks.
It teaches respect for opponents, coaches, officials, and the rules.
Perhaps most importantly, it teaches young people that success is earned through hard work and consistency.
You have to turn up to this gym every day or regularly if you want to be a champion.
And if you don’t turn up every day or regularly, the person who does will become the champion and you will not.
That is the lesson and that is important for life.”
Minister Ramson concluded by saying “for all the people that are going to come and use this gym, I don’t want you to come to this gym just to become a better boxer, I want you to come to this gym to become a better person.”
Minister Jacobs told the gathering that they can rest assured that the yearning and the desire to make Guyana a better place for all and to ensure that young people are afforded opportunities to excel, will continue.
Jacobs, in emphasising the dedication of Coach Jeff Roberts, referenced a quote Roberts made more than a decade ago.
“I believe that once you give a child a taste of success and the tools they need to succeed, they won’t stop until they reach their goals.
Training boxers right now is my passion. You said this, Jeff.
Boxing is the tool I use to make my passion into reality. And that can be used to provide a livelihood in their future. This was Jeff Roberts in 2013.”
Minister Jacobs said that the bigger picture is people understanding the juncture we are at in Guyana now.
“So while it opens opportunities, Jeff and the entire team that will be working here, will shape individuals for society.
We’ll shape individuals for this beautiful country we call our own. And discipline is key and central to everything we want to do and achieve for this country.
This boxing facility and Region 6 will have the opportunity to produce another Olympic medalist. And I have no doubt that we will produce that.”
President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle and his team were also commended by Minister Jacobs for the great work they have been doing in growing the sport in Guyana.
Hon. Zamal Hussain MP., in his remarks reminded the gathering of the genesis of the gym whilst commending the determination and commitment of Coach, Jeff Roberts.
He said that the new gym represents an investment in the youth, their talent, discipline, and future.
“This gym will further enhance Berbice’s reputation as the cradle of boxing talent, giving the next generation of fighters the tools to chase greatness.
It will also give young fighters a structured environment and help grow boxing across not only Berbice, but Guyana.”
Hussain boasted that Berbice is steadily becoming a powerhouse for boxing talent, and this fact should be acknowledged.
He commended His Excellency and the Government of Guyana for making this initiative a realty which will directly impact the upliftment of boxing in the region.
Attendees were treated to a number of exhibition bouts following the cutting of the ribbon, unveiling of the plaque and sign.
About Michael Parris:
- Michael Anthony Parris (Guyana’s only Olympic Medalist) born October 4, 1957
- Competed in the Bantamweight (54 kg) Division at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union
- Earned a bronze medal, becoming Guyana’s first and only Olympic medalist
- Career – 1978-1995
