World Boxing Association President, Dr Gilberto Mendoza, attended the opening of the Sixteenth Trinidad and Tobago World Boxing Association Knock Out Drugs Games held on 7th May 2011 at the Five Rivers Secondary School, Trinidad.
Ms. Shivana Inalsingh, member of the Trinidad and Tobago WBA Knock Out Drugs Games Committee, welcomed the members at the head table who included Dr Gilberto Mendoza, President of the World Boxing Association, who initiated the Knock Out Drug Games in Venezuela over 20 years ago, Chairman of the Trinidad & Tobago Boxing Board, Mr. Yaqub Abdul Haqq, Mr. Mario Davis, from the Sports Co. of T&T, International Referee and Judge Mr. Tommy Thomas, Former WBA Fedelatin Champion Kirt Sinnette and secretary of the KO Drug Games, Mr. Cecil Walker.
Dr Inalsingh, Chairman of the KO Drug Games and WBA Medical Director, who bought the games to Trinidad 16 ago, was invited to give the feature address. He discussed training techniques, with the young athletes, covering muscles, both heart and skeletal, training of the lungs, as well as the importance of developing the mind. He explained that the goal of the event was to allow participants to enjoy sporting activity, while being given a message of healthy living.
The Officers of the Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearm Bureau were once again present at the Games and arranged their display of some the drugs of addiction. They were able to respond to questions asked by the children and parents.
At the end of the ceremony President Mendoza who has attended four of the KO games in Trinidad, presented a Table Tennis Board and related equipment to the Five Rivers Secondary School on behalf of the World Boxing Association. The games were held for the past 12 years at the Five Rivers Secondary School and the donation was presented to secretary of the School Mrs. Hosein as a token of appreciation to both the present and past Principals, the staff and the students of the School.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Cecil Walker who thanked the children for attending and wished them a keen and exciting sports day. Kirt Sinnette, T&T Champion Boxer, declared the games open for the approximately 150 participants who were present to compete in the games of table tennis and football. Unfortunately, the coach of the chess team phoned, while they were on their way to the Games, and said that they had an unfortunate incident and were unable to attend. The winners received their cash prizes at the closing ceremony.
I wish to thank President Gilberto Mendoza for his commitment and support over the past years, which benefited the children of Trinidad and Tobago, in the WBA worldwide program in the fight against drugs. I also wish to sincerely thank the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Lottery Board and Curtis Gayadeen of Rambaran Restaurant for their support for the success of these games.
Respectfully submitted
Dr Calvin Inalsingh
Medical Director, World Boxing Association
