Manus boxers decry lack of support

THE hopes of Manus boxers participating in next month’s National Championships in Vanimo, West Sepik, are fast-fading, three and half weeks before the June 12-14 tournament.
The national event, originally scheduled for last month, was deferred by the PNG Amateur Boxing Union (PNGABU) apparently to allow associations around the country enough time to prepare to send their teams to West Sepik.
Manus team manager Robert Mathew said the eight boxers chosen to represent the island province had been in training since early March and had done so with little or no support from local business houses or the provincial government and other potential sponsors.
“Financing has been the biggest problem for the team. We have asked various business houses in Lorengau as well as the governor’s office for help but, unfortunately, have been turned down,” Mathew said. 
The team, however, is waiting for a response from Manus Open MP Job Pomat.
With time running out to raise funds and uncertainty over the team’s participation Mathew released his frustrations on the apathy shown by those expected to assist such sporting and community-related initiatives.
“Some individuals in positions to help us have pledged support but have not come good on their promises and what money we have is just not enough.
 “I am very sorry for my boys, the hard work they put in these past three months will all be for nothing if we don’t get some help soon,” a disappointed Mathew said.
“I’m confident we’ll bring back medals from Vanimo but, unfortunately we’ve been let down thanks to our leaders’ lack of interest.”
Mathew made another appeal to those willing to support the team to deposit any contribution to the Manus Amateur Boxing Association (MABA) BSP account No.10001112215.