The all too familiar song of 'lack of funding' is being heard again, this time with a crescendo from the T&T Boxing Association (TTBA).
The TTBA is scheduled to host the Caribbean Boxing Championship, December 4-9 at the Cycling Velodrome at Balmain, Couva but needs government, through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, or the Sport Company of T&T to assist the premier regional boxing event with a further $175, 000 which will make up the shortfall of an $800,000 budget.
Cecil Forde, president of the TTBA said his association was able to raise and receive pledges to cover the majority of the funding needed for expenses totalling $625, 000, but his organisation has faced challenges to raise the rest.
The funds, Forde said, are needed to help cover the cost of equipment for the tournament and meal for the athletes.
Their inability to raise the $175, 000 needed in time for the start of the event will lead to a cancellation of the event, Forde said.
This year's event will coincide with the association celebrating its 70th anniversary in the sport. And Forde said he wants his boxers to take top honours in the various weight divisions.
A team of over 30 fighters will don the red, white and black of T&T for the event, representing one of the largest contingents at a tournament that will feature over 15 countries from the Caribbean, including boxing powerhouses Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
Forde in his release also said the inclusion of the three boxing nations, along with Cuba will serve to better prepare boxers from the region who are vying for spots at the Olympic Games in Tokyo Japan next year.