HSA helps Cayman’s boxers remain fighting fit

(HSA): The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) recently sponsored Cayman Islands Boxing Association (CIBA) athletes’ annual medical exams, ensuring that Cayman’s boxers are in tip top condition to perform. CIBA boxers compete at scheduled events locally and overseas and it is mandated by the International Boxing Association that each athlete completes an annual physical exam to include blood work, EKG and nutritional consultation. Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lizzette Yearwood, said the HSA recognised the importance of ensuring all of the athletes were able to easily undertake their annual medicals.

“It is essential that athletes of this calibre who are performing at such a high level do so knowing they are at their optimum health,” Ms Yearwood said.  “We are happy to assist by providing medical services for theboxers’ annual exams and we commend the athletes who work so hard at their sport.”

CIBA President, Ann-Marie Byrd, expressed her gratitude to the HSA’s donation.

“We are delighted that this sponsorship was provided by the HSA and CIBA graciously appreciates the staff for their assistance and compassion for the athletes.  This sponsorship is an immense help for the association, as we are a not-for-profit organisation and operate solely on a small grant from the Ministry of Sports,” Ms Byrd said. “As the governing body of boxing in the Cayman Islands, CIBA works hard to develop and promote boxing throughout the country and internationally on behalf of the athletes,” Ms Byrd said.  “CIBA continually strives to develop the sport through effective governance and strong leadership ensuring that all members can personally develop through the sport.”

CIBA was designed to provide the Cayman Islands with an outlet through boxing, fitness and leadership skills for local young athletes. “It is our goal to help the youth that need extra guidance and leadership to become productive members of society,” Ms Bryd said.

Boxing is a sport that is receiving an increasingly high profile in the Cayman Islands, with Cayman’s boxers making great strides. Tafari Ebanks, one of two Elite boxers to represent the Cayman Islands, recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland where he was one point away from a bronze medal.  He is scheduled to compete in November for the CAC Games in Tijuana, Mexico.  Cayman has one other boxer who competes at the Elite level and five who also represent Cayman internationally. Looking ahead, Cayman looks to sending two additional boxers for the Commonwealth Games in 2015.