The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) is expected to soon be a beneficiary of funding from the International Mixed Arts Federation (IMMAF).
Jason Fraser, who heads both the Pan American and Caribbean Federations revealed he signed an agreement last month, paving way for the funding.
Last month, Guyana was unanimously voted as one of the new 20 full members of the IMMAF following the staging of the entity’s Congress during the World Amateur Championship in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
Fraser noted that the current GMMAF dispensation under the leadership of Gavin Singh is the fastest-growing association in the region, and therefore more tangible support is in the pipeline.
“We are still working out logistics, [but] in order for me to support, I have to know that country is doing their best for the development,” the Trinidadian stated at a press conference on Tuesday at Palm Court.
According to Fraser, the GMMAF could present the best proposals, but if they do not have sponsors along with the support of the Sports Commission and Government, it will count for little.
“We will be giving budgets to National Federations in tier system, those who are actually doing well and need the support, and based on your demographics and economics of your country,” he added.
Furthermore, the development programme put forward by Singh which sees the grassroots being the school system has been applauded by Fraser. He also lauded the Guyana Police Force Mixed Arts Academy for its overwhelming support and views the Academy as having an “ants nest” of talent.
The next step is getting more qualified coaches. Currently, Bruce Fraser is the lone IMMAF accredited coach in Guyana.
“The commitment I am going to give Guyana is that we are going to supply the coaches to help properly prepare the coaches who are to add to the value of the coaches who are here, and the athletes. We will work out a strategic plan how we will have that happen either on a monthly basis or a quarterly basis to have that done.”
Meanwhile, the Pan American Championship is tentatively slated for April 15-19 in Mexico, but Fraser said he is looking to reschedule those dates to June-July in order to give the Federation more time to prepare.
From a local standpoint, the GMMAF is hoping to have a tournament in May, probably during the period of their usual ‘Youth Week’. Fraser has challenged the Federation to acquire an Octagon Cage within 90 days.
The Police Force Academy is aiming to host an event on March 5, and it will also be a workshop for coaches and referees.
