Mystery donor gifts magnificent boxing trophy

As Committee look on, Paul Mangakahia
presents the belt to National Coach Charlie O’Connor.

A closer look at the trophy

A generous, anonymous supporter of Cook Islands boxing has presented the Boxing Association with a magnificent Championship Belt.
Cook Islands Amateur Boxing (CIABA) Executive Committee member, Paul Mangakahia presented the Belt at the Committee’s meeting on Thursday evening. He said it had been donated by an anonymous donor to be contested in the honour of the late Warren Atkins. Atkins, the former owner of Bluebird Laundry, was a great supporter of local boxing. He passed away recently after a long illness.
CIABA President Adi Narayan said the Belt will be known as “The Warren Atkins Champion Belt” and the Committee would later make a decision as to what boxing category or championship it would apply to.
Also at the Thursday meeting, the Committee re-appointed former National Coach Charlie O’Connor. At the last AGM the Committee had deferred the appointment of a National Coach and O’Connor also indicated he would not seek re-appointment. However, he has agreed to being re-appointed as the Committee has appointed two Deputy Coaches to assist him. They are; Paul Mangakahia and Ringiao.
The Committee also appointed Paul Managkahia Team manager for the return contest with Tahiti to be held in Tahiti early next year.
With the Battle of the Vakas Boxing Contest set for 3 October at the Banana Court, the CIABA urges all boxers to return to full training as a national squad will be selected from this contest to prepare for contests next year in Tahiti and Fiji as a lead up to the 2007 Games in Samoa.

– Charles Pitt