ABAP’s search for 'Onyoks' continues with Luzon tilt
11/18/2009 | 07:14 PM
The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) moved forward with its search for future Olympians Wednesday with the kick off of its Smart-PLDT Luzon Youth Boxing Championships Wednesday in Tayabas, Quezon.
Following competitions in the Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region, the Area Tournament caps the year-long search for young boxers who will duke it out for slots to the RP pool at stake in the National Championships in Puerto Princesa in January.
According to ABAP executive director Ed Picson, the nationwide series of events is part of the association’s aggressive grassroots development program intended to discover the next boxing aces who will possibly try to surpass the feat of 1996 Atlanta Games silver medalist Onyok Velasco.
“We identify deserving young boxers (the tournament’s participants are aged 11 to 18 years old), then we invite them to come to the Nationals to test their mettle against other winners from around the country," Picson said.
Teams from as far north as La Trinidad Valley and Baguio City and from down south in Bicol and Puerto Princesa City have sent bets to the meet.
“This is also due to the fact that only those who join the Area Tournaments such as this one may be invited to the Nationals," Picson explained.
Leading the opening and welcome ceremonies for the Luzon area tournament were ABAP president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Patrick Gregorio. - GMANews.TV
Following competitions in the Visayas, Mindanao and National Capital Region, the Area Tournament caps the year-long search for young boxers who will duke it out for slots to the RP pool at stake in the National Championships in Puerto Princesa in January.
From left, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Patrick Gregorio and president Ricky Vargas applaud while Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben-Hur Abalos rings the bell signaling the of the Smart-ABAP National Capital Region (NCR) Area Tournament at the Mandaluyong gym. GMANews.TV
According to ABAP executive director Ed Picson, the nationwide series of events is part of the association’s aggressive grassroots development program intended to discover the next boxing aces who will possibly try to surpass the feat of 1996 Atlanta Games silver medalist Onyok Velasco.
“We identify deserving young boxers (the tournament’s participants are aged 11 to 18 years old), then we invite them to come to the Nationals to test their mettle against other winners from around the country," Picson said.
Teams from as far north as La Trinidad Valley and Baguio City and from down south in Bicol and Puerto Princesa City have sent bets to the meet.
“This is also due to the fact that only those who join the Area Tournaments such as this one may be invited to the Nationals," Picson explained.
Leading the opening and welcome ceremonies for the Luzon area tournament were ABAP president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Patrick Gregorio. - GMANews.TV
