Raba opts for partnership

Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association (Raba) would prefer to work with partners other than relaying on unpredictable and scarce sponsorship from local companies.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association (Raba) would prefer to work with partners other than relaying on unpredictable and scarce sponsorship from local companies.

"We want partners because with them we are assured of stable support to our schedules,” said Eugene Ndashyikirwa, Raba Secretary General, while commenting on the urgent need of partners for the development of competitive boxing in the country.

Boxing had been a forgotten sport in the country under the former leadership (with the federation) but it seems to be getting back to its feet under the current administration led by Antoine Semukanya.

It is this respect that Raba needs steady partners who would be there every time they are needed to help in the development of the sport instead of relying on what Ndayishyikirwa described as "unpredictable sponsors”.

"We have written proposals to different companies and we’re just waiting for the response,” he disclosed. Meanwhile, the secretary general noted that they (Raba) are working round the click to make the sure the national championship goes ahead next months as planned.

Initially, the event had been scheduled for November 1-4 but because of financial constraints, it has now been postponed to November 8-11 at Amahoro indoor stadium.

Because of lack of funds, Raba has organised just one competition this year and if next month’s goes ahead as planned, it would be only the second and probably the last in what has been a frustrating season not only to the federation but mainly to the boxers.

Ends