Local company helps Vanuatu boxing with gear

 THE cash-strapped Vanuatu boxing team received a timely assistance of boxing equipment courtesy of Market 2000 recently.

Vanuatu Boxing Association president Naula Meriago Jacques expressed his heartfelt thanks to PNG Boxing Union officials headed by John Avira for securing the much-needed equipment for his boxers for the Pacific Games.

Mariago-Jacques said he was not expecting that to happen but it was a gesture of true Melanesian spirit — a big brother helping a small brother in the Pacific way. Vanuatu Boxing Association is one of many sports who lost many of their equipment to Cyclone Pam last March and that affected preparation for the Games. 

In order to show their appreciation, assistant coach Kalontas Malon, who is the designer of the Vanuatu flag will present the emblem (flag) to Bernard Fong and his group of friends for their support to the team. 

Malon expressed his sincere appreciation to Fong, saying this was a small token of appreciation, for what he had done for the Vanuatu boxing team.

Fong, who is the managing director of Market 2000, said he was pleased to assist the Vanuatu boxing team as he had experienced such a situation during his tenure as president of the Papua New Guinea Boxing Union a decade ago.

“We, PNG, face similar problems when we travel out of the country, and I am willing to support Vanuatu as fellow Melanesian brothers,” he said.

Fong said the boxing competition for the Pacific Games starts next week and the equipment should boost their preparations for the July 14-18. He thanked co-sponsors Lea Ltd and Golden Bowl Restaurant for their support.