Lagos – Sunday Nwamuda, the Proprietor, Sunny Clay Boxing Club, Lagos, on Wednesday implored parents to take the pains to watch their wards during competitions, to encourage them.

Nwamuda said in Lagos that such a step would go a long way to motivate the children to step up their performances in the sport.

Isaac Ekpo (L) Super Middle Weight Boxing Champion with his Coach, Seidu Kalifa, in training at the National Stadium In Lagos recently.

He noted that the active participation of parents in competitions as spectators, would strengthen the resolve of the children to make positive career decisions in their preferred discipline.

“Parents should be interested and also develop a passion for the sport that their children have chosen to develop themselves in, basically to give them confidence.

“The children, on the other hand, seeing their parents, will be motivated to perform well, and they will feel assured that they have the support of their parents,’’ he said.

Nwamuda said that the development would provide the platform for parents, to have a practical knowledge of the required safety measures to guide their children in the sport.

“Ordinarily, most parents would not want their children to develop interest in boxing, for the fear of being injured in sensitive areas; but we have safety measures and fighting rules.

“Parents can only confirm this when they make out time to watch live boxing contests because these measures will prevent problems,’’ he said.

The coach added that the primary objective of the club was to identify upcoming male and female boxers in schools and in turn groom them to stardom.

Nwamuda also said that 16 potential talents were discovered in a competition his club organised in September, at the National Stadium, Lagos.

He added that another competition would be organised in December, to ensure that aspiring grassroots talents were provided the opportunity to showcase their talents. (NAN)