Confident TT Karatekas prepare for World Games

But the school is in need of some $90,000 if they are to have any chance of competing at the games. Currently 15 karatekas have been selected from a grand pool of 200 and it is hoped that corporate Trinidad and Tobago will recognise their plight. The games are being seen as a major test for the school as well as a measure of the level of the sport local karate has reached, compared to international competition.

The school has since set up an account at the First Citizens Bank, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain with the hope that generous TT will assist. The number is 1380402 or interested personnel can contact Mrs Pacilla Guillaume-Gill at the same bank and branch.

Sensei Amanda and Kenneth Foderingham told Newsday yesterday that the young karatekas have performed quite well at many past local and international competitions and are expected to transfer these performances when they compete in the USA.

However they expressed high expectations for gold medals from young Javon Clairmont and Kelly-Ann Foderingham who they have described as outstanding among the rest.

Both have literally grew up in the School, Clairmont now contesting the 7-9 age bracket which is expected to have the largest interest of competition, while Foderingham will be expected to advanced from the stage of being a juvenile.

At the last local championship the little Clairmont outclassed all when he displayed tremendous talent to secure gold medals in three categories, the Kata, Sparring and in the Self Defence.

This he did when all of his other colleagues got gold in either the Kata or the Sparring competitions.

Foderingham, continued her stint of excellent performances at the last competition at the Jean Pierre Complex, when she too secured gold with consummate ease.

Foderingham, for the first time however will get a taste of adult competition at the World Games- after she was promoted to the Seniors- after years of successes at the Junior level for the school.

However, the talented Foderingham will lead the charge for the school when they host their Annual competition, June 4 at the Jean Pierre Complex.

Sensei Amanda revealed that some 110 categories will be contested and over 400 participants from 25 schools locally and regionally will contest the games. Competition will take place in the Kata, Open Hand and Weapon, Self Defence, Breaking, Sparring, Continuos Sparring and the Team Kata among any others.

Action is opened to participants from five years and under to adult competition.