Boxing fraternity remembers Basil as a ‘passionate follower’

Sports
Sam Basil

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE national boxing fraternity has joined the rest of the country in mourning Deputy Prime Minister, the late Sam Basil, who was a passionate follower of combat sports.
Papua New Guinea Boxing Union president Dr Gideon Kendino told The National yesterday that the Bulolo MP had been a passionate supporter of boxing for more than 20 years. He described Basil as someone who would fit in with people from all walks of life.
“I came to know the late deputy prime minister in 1995 when we represented PNG in taekwondo during the Pacific Games in Tahiti,” Kendino said.
“From 2000 till the time of his passing, he was actively involved with us in developing amateur boxing. It was only three weeks ago that he was with us at the national boxing championships which were held in his district.
“Basil was one of the major sponsors of the recent event.
“Through his support, we hosted other national championships some years ago.
“He was someone who was approachable by any person whether from people at the executive level to the grassroots.
“Basil had a special charisma.
“He was down to earth and that was why he always supported grassroots boxing. He was involved with boxing before he became an MP, and he continued to support the sport after his election in 2007.
“He loved martial arts too.
“On behalf of the boxing fraternity across the country, I would like to pass our sincere condolences to Basil’s immediate family, his people of Wau-Bulolo and Morobe.
“May his soul rest in peace.”