Central businessman helps Abau boxing

By HENRY MORABANG
IAN Gapi, a businessman from Abau, Central has taken the lead in supporting a new sport – boxing – which is trying to make inroads into the electorate.
In showing his appreciation to Abau Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) president Ricky Berua, Gapi donated K2,000 to kick-start fundraising activities for the association.
Gapi, who is also the president of the Magani Rugby Football League club in Port Moresby, has supported other forms of sports in Abau.
He said yesterday he decided to assist boxing because it was a new sport in the area.
Unlike netball, rugby league and cricket, he said boxing was a new sport which he wanted to see  developed.
Gapi thanked Berua for his foresight in ensuring that boxing developed in the electorate.
“Abau has produced three well-respected fighters, Sugar Ray Arua, Kau Boi and Ricky Berua.
“It is good to see one of them taking the lead in spreading the gospel of boxing,” he said.
Apart from the K2,000, Gap intends to provide logistical support and create awareness in the sport.
There are interested clubs from Paramana, Kinikalana, Pelegai, Maopa 1, Maopa 2, Gaiwakala, Iruone, Kelekapana-Kwapeupa, Waira Vanua, Vuru, Kelerakwa, Gavuone, Kalapa, Kapari-Viriolo, Waiori and Wanigela.
Gapi’s former business partner Bamake Rumbam has also made a commitment to support the association.
Abau MP Sir Puka Temu, who is also Minister for Agriculture, will be backing the first-ever boxing team to participate in the national boxing champions in Vanimo, West Sepik next month.
The officials comprise Berua as president, Mike Berua as vice-president, Ulex Illa as secretary and Willie Charles as treasurer.
The president is hoping other prominent people from Abau residing around PNG would step in to support boxing in the electorate.
Berua said the concept would give the opportunity to raw talents in the electorate to participate in the sport.
The association has also named Beupu Noki (49kg), Roy Gavera (52kg), Kagsy Berua (56kg), Gabriel Wari (60kg) and Elias Joe Aki (64kg).
The team management is Ricky Berua (head coach), Ulex Illa (manager) and Darren Pokani (trainer) and Mike Berua (head of delegation).