T&T’s lone boxing representative at the upcoming 2012 London Olympics, Carlos Suarez, along with one of the country’s most seasoned fighters, Andrew Fermin, have received funding by the Ministry of Sport through its Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP). US-born light flyweight- Suarez and Fermin a light heavyweight represented T&T at the recently staged Olympic qualifiers in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, with only the former sealing bronze and a place at the London 2012 competition.
The cheques valued at $75,000 each were presented by the T&T Boxing Board of Control (T&TBBC) President Annabelle Davis, when the board celebrated the recent achievement of Suarez’’ qualification, at the Ministry of Sport Head Office, Abercromby St, Port of Spain.
Suarez will be the first boxer to represent T&T at the Olympics since Kirt Sinette in 1996. he was not present but was represented by coach Reynold Cox. Fermin, the most senior elite boxing athlete for 2012 boasts an amateur record at 150 bouts. He is ranked at number 75 athlete in the World by the AIBA and stood at number 10 in the Pan American region 2009.
Fermin is also a member of the T&T Defence Force and has ten National Championships, two CAC silver medals and two Caribbean Championships under his belt. The cheques issued are financial assistance granted to outstanding athletes, in support of nationals who have attained the qualifying international ranking determined by the T&T Olympic Committee.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt