YOUNG BOXER FOR INTERNATIONAL CAMP & CHAMPIONSHIPS
Michael Bascombe

ST. GEORGE’S, August 7, 2009 -- The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is pleased to announce that Imrod Bartholomew has been selected to participate in the International Amateur Boxing Association - AIBA Training Camp and World Boxing Championships to be held in Italy, August 10 to September 12, 2009.

Bartholomew, 23, is a Light Heavy (178 lbs or 81 kgs) and won the silver medal at the 2008 OECS Boxing Championships. He is unbeaten so far this year with wins over Jamie Bullen of Carriacou, Karim De Allie and Jewel Lewis.

The young boxer leaves Grenada on Sunday to participate on the training camp ahead of the Championships in Milan which start on September 1.

As part of the programme, AIBA has selected young talented boxers from the countries and coaches having financial difficulties in developing boxing.  This programme will not only provide crucial training experience, but also support them for the entire period of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Milan 2009.

AIBA said it will continue this important development programme after Milan by selecting the best 10 boxers among those from the "Road to Milan" training camp at the end of the AIBA World Boxing Championships Milan 2009; and will support their continuous training from 2010 and participation in various events to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, and to earn the medals they deserve.

The programme, called "Road to London," will maximize the facilities and programs in the AIBA Boxing Academy.

“We were given very little time to have all his documents ready but we couldn’t allow this opportunity to pass us,” said GABA’s President Ralph James.

“Imrod is an intelligent young man with 11 CXC subjects and the future looks good for him. He is always punctual, disciplined and his work ethic is exemplary. Imrod is the ideal athlete for any coach and will be an excellent ambassador for Grenada.”

The XV edition of AIBA World Boxing Championships will be attended by 700 Athletes and 400 Team Officials representing 143 Countries, with the presence of over 300 accredited media.

During the 11-day competition period over 500 matches are scheduled for the awarding of 11 world titles, one per weight category: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 64, 69, 75, 81, 91 and +91kg.  Bouts are composed of 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with one-minute break between rounds.

GABA is very grateful to his employer – the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) for granting him leave, and also wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Joseph "REDS" Perreira and the St. Lucia Amateur Boxing Association for assisting with ground transportation and accommodation in St. Lucia, the Italian Consulate in Grenada, the French Embassy in St. Lucia and the Grenada Olympic Committee.