Twenty-year-old T&T boxer Michael Alexander will benefit each month from a sponsorship arrangement organised by two parties, Caribbean Facilities Corporation Limited (CFCL) Construction and Capital City, in an effort to help the Olympic hopeful qualify for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.
CFCL Construction, based in Chaguanas, has committed to donating $3,000 a month, while Capital City similarly aided to the tune of $2,000 monthly. Based on Alexander's performances at upcoming competitions, sponsorship may continue until the 2016 Olympic Games.
A presentation of both parties' contributions was done at Alicia's Palace, St Ann's, yesterday.
Alexander, who spoke at the ceremony, admitted that he faced many obstacles in his youth, but said sport, particularly boxing, was responsible for many drastic changes in his life.
"If it wasn't for boxing, I would never be here today so I want to tell the youth out there that sports is the way to go and sports will change your life," he said.
With over 150 fights under his belt, Alexander has shown consistency and promise representing both club and country.
He is a PanAm lightweight silver medalist and has qualified for October's CAC Games, carded for Mexico. He did so after finishing sixth at the CAC qualifiers, also in Mexico.
Alexander indicated his dream of not only qualifying for the Olympics, but also winning a medal. "I have no choice but to make my country proud," he said.
One of the sponsors, Capital City, was represented by its CEO, Joseph Beckles Jr, who said welcomed the opportunity to help Alexander in his quest for glory.
Beckles said, "I am proud to come forward to donate towards his goal of 2016 Olympics, Michael, keep up the good work."
Meanwhile, T&T Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC) special advisor Boxu Potts said the sponsorship came as a result of the "hues and cries that Michael has made in the media".
"(It's also because) of the fact that he has not received his elite athlete funding from the Ministry of Sport. Corporate T&T has decided to step up and assist him."
Potts said a suggestion was made by former TTBBC president Annabelle Davis, that a bank account be opened in the name of Alexander, with each citizen contributing a single dollar.
"We are asking the nation to make a donation of $1.00 to help our athlete enter and perform at these games to make our nation proud. We all can feel proud at the end of the day knowing fully well that we have contributed to the success of our athletes," said Potts.
Alexander is among a 10-person team selected for the Commonwealth Games. The others include, Azariah Agard, Andrew Fermin, Chimere Taylor, Patrice Kalloo, Shawn Joseph, Aaron Prince, Stephen Charles, Jean-Paul Cooper and Justin Parris.
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