Karatekas face financial blow

The “Thirty-third Annual US Open and International Sport Karate Association Work Martial Arts Championships” is scheduled for Orlando and the “True Force Global Internationals” in Texas.

Among the children to attend these competitions on June 30, July 1 and July 8 will be Jody Clairmont, ten; his sister Josann Me Leod, 11, and their cousin Jevon Clairmont, 11.

Claudette Elvin, the children’s grandmother is asking the public for assistance in raising the funds for them to attend. Each team member needs $15,000 to successfully attend both championships. The cost will cover airfare, meals, accommodation, ground transport to Texas and back to Orlando, track suits, and the registration fee for both championships. Elvin has to accompany the children to supervise them as the siblings’ parents are unable to do so because they are both deaf/mute. She also needs financial assistance in order to make the trip.

On April 30, the three children took part in the Tiger System Tournament and performed well. Jevon received two first place medals, Josann — a first and a third, and Jody — two first place medals. Jevon, who is an observant black belt recently returned from a tournament in Barbados with three medals. He was first in Sparring and Kata, and second in Weapons Display. At every competition they have entered, they placed in the top three. Between them, they have over 200 medals and trophies. Elvin wished to thank the Senseis Amanda and Kenneth Foderingham for their continuing support of her grandchildren.

“God will always inspire them to teach the children. If it wasn’t for them, my grands would never have reached this far,” she said. A down payment of $16,000 has to be made by May 27 for the group to secure airline seats.

Any one who wants to assist the family on their journey can contact the academy which is situated at Pole 52, Fort Palmiste Drive, Bagatelle Road, Diego Martin.