Suva, November 7 – The Minister for Youth and Sports, the Honourable Mr. Laisenia Tuitubou, on behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Voreqe Bainimarama, handed over boxing equipment to the Newtown Boxing Club, today.

While handing over the equipment the Minister commented: “the Government is committed to assist and develop all sporting bodies in the country, hence it is very pleasing for me to be handing over this equipment on behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister,” the Minister said.
“It is pleasing to note the interest shown by the Newtown Boxing Club in reviving the sport in the area,” he said. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports is also mandated to develop youth and sports in the country and it is encouraging to note that the youths of Newtown are engaging themselves in such sporting activities.”
The Minister further stated that the assistance will ensure the development of club members and enhance their skills and capability in boxing.
“This will also equally promote the sport to other youths in the area, assist youths in being physically active and also allow them an opportunity to compete during boxing competitions.”
Newtown Boxing Club President, Mr. Jone Loloma, acknowledged the assistance and pledged that the equipment will be put to good use.
“Newtown has been labelled as a Red Zone area in the past, where criminal activities thrive, however we are trying to change the perception and engage the youths in sporting activities,” he said.
He further stated the equipment will greatly assist the youths around the area to enhance their skills in boxing.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the Minister for Youth and Sports for facilitating the boxing equipment,” he said. “This will encourage youths, who are mostly unemployed, to take part in boxing competitions.”
The Newtown club was established in 2016 and has 29 registered members. The club provides equal opportunity for female athletes to take part in training sessions and boxing competitions.