CUL DE SAC--Round one of the St. Maarten National Boxing Federation’s A Knockout Exercising Workout and Boxing Exhibition withstood overcasts skies and rain at Emilio Wilson Recreation Park Saturday.
More than 30 people got up early and braved the elements to train with some of the Island’s top boxing coaches from 6:30 to 9:00am.
There were kettle bells, agility ladders and heavy rope waves in addition to leg exercises, warmups and squats.
“I think the weather kept a lot of people away,” admitted federation president Shawn Blair. “We were hoping for a bigger turn out, but the training and the exhibition matches were well received.
Gloves were donned. Punching and dodging were also practiced.
After the training ten exhibition matches were held. There were also kick boxers on hand to demonstrate their self-defence techniques.
Next month round two is scheduled to be held on the French side of the Island. “The plan is to make the program a monthly event and alternate between the two sides of the Island,” explained Blair.
The program is designed to increase awareness of fitness and build a love for the sport of boxing.
Age is not a factor. The youngest boxer in training was age six. The exhibition matches featured athletes age 15 to 24.
“Our goal is to build a joint St. Maarten-St. Martin team to compete in the Caribbean Boxing Championships next year,” said Blair.
St Maarten will host the Championships which are open to boxers age 15 to 40.
“We had six new people sign up,” beamed Blair. “This is only the start. Our long turn goal is to get a St. Maarten Boxer to the Olympics.”
The Exercise program and Exhibition matches this month were made possible by the St. Maarten Football Federation, Malongo, The St. Martin Amateur Boxing Association, Suki Supermarket, Cake House and Ron’s Training Center.
For more information about boxing contact Blair at 588-7356.
