The Western Amateur Boxing Association has ushered in a new era with the election of office bearers at the beginning of this year.
Eroni Loganimoce, a Fiji Boxing Commission board member from Lautoka, now leads the association as president.
Assisting him in steering the organisation is vice-president Freddy Chand from Nadi, treasurer Prakash Chand, and Visila Kolitapa, a female boxer and FBC member, who assumes the role of secretary.
Reflecting on the past year, Chand acknowledged that the association was dormant, lacking programs and direction.
However, with the inauguration of the new office bearers, there is a renewed sense of purpose and vigor.
The team has instituted new structures and devised plans for the upcoming season.
“Last year there was no programme it was dead but this year we aim to have 10 programmes to keep amateur boxing alive in the Western division,” Chand said.
The Fiji National Sports Commission organized coaching and referee courses for boxing clubs in the Western Division.
The initiative garnered positive responses from interested clubs, including those from remote areas like Bukuya, Navosa, and Ra.
Chand praised the Fiji National Sports Commission for bringing the courses to the West, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
He emphasised that such courses were often missed by clubs and boxers in the West, as they traditionally took place in Suva.
“We want to thank Fiji Sports Commission for coming to us in the West and to conduct these two courses, we always miss out on these two courses but now we are grateful to FNSC for doing it with us,” Chand explained.
Nearly 20 boxing clubs in the West actively participated in these courses, signifying a collective commitment to enhancing skills and knowledge.
“We are doing things one step at a time and build from here.”
The Western Amateur Boxing Association plans to have the Western Amateur Bonanza in May.
