(PRESS RELEASE) – Karate-Do Federation Saint Lucia (KFStLu) concluded what was deemed a successful 2019 with its first annual year ending ceremony that was held at the Financial Administrative Center Conference room on Sunday 15th December 2019.
The Federation highlighted some key milestones achieved for 2019 such as staging its first “Legends Open” National tournament where non-affiliates were invited to participate, Referee and Judges Seminar conducted by Mr Rudsel Nepomuncenor (PKF certified) from Curaçao, participating in the 5th Caribbean Karate Federation Championships in Santo Domingo where Saint Lucia walked away with a silver medal and placing 9th out of 14 countries in the medal count.
The Technical Director (Dr. Ezra Jn Baptiste) highlighted that 2020 will be a critical year and therefore key activities have been outlined for the following year. These activities would comprise of an Independence Tournament to identify the talent for the National Squad and one of the tools used to select the representing team at the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament that is scheduled for early May 2020 in Paris, France. This event is the last opportunity for countries to get a spot in the 2020 Olympic Games. In addition will be a series of rigorous training programs, judge and referring capacity building workshops and more importantly activities to develop the pool of youth karatekas as part of the Long-Term Athlete Development program through training and participating in overseas tournaments.
In addition, the exploration of para-karate was highlighted as the new frontier in expanding karate in Saint Lucia as there are existing opportunities for such athletes in the region and international level. Plans will be made to accommodate para karatekas in future competitions and Affiliates were encouraged to make provision for such persons with disabilities.
The President (Mr. Oliver Lawrence) highlighted some of the key administrative activities scheduled for 2020 which includes Certified First Aid response training, and the launch of the Federation’s official website.
The evening concluded with recognizing the individuals who contributed to the continued success of the Federation which includes:
The National Executive Committee: Mr. Oliver Lawrence (President), Dr. Ezra Jn Baptiste (Vice President and Technical Director0, Mr. Karim Sifflet (Secretary), Mr. George Radjou (Treasurer), Mr. Trevor Bristol (Assistant Treasurer and Secretary), Ms. Lydia Alexander (Trustee) and Mr. Severin Francois (Trustee) Technical Committee: Dr. Ezra Jn Baptiste (National Kata Coach), Mr. Michael Wellington (National Kumite Coach), Mr. Victor Dudley
2019 National Squad Members: Karim Sifflet (2019 National Team Member), Lawrence Joseph (2019 National Team Member), Julian Toussaint, Lainel George, Jim Williams, Nyhim Wilkie, Ignatius Alexander, Petrona Alexander, Cianna Dalson, and Kara-Lee Emmanuel.
The following Karateka of the Year nominees were selected based upon affiliates’ submissions and reviewed based on medals obtained at KFStLu sanctioned regional/international and national competitions:
2019 Junior Male Karateka of the Year: Nyhim Wilkie
2019 Junior Female Karateka of the Year: Cianna Dalson
2019 Senior Female Karateka of the Year: Petrona Alexander
2019 Senior Male Karateka of the Year: Karim Sifflet
2019 Most Decorated Karateka of the Year: Karim Sifflet (only athlete to podium at the International/Regional level)
KFStLu also paid special recognition to the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), the Department of Youth and Sports and the Saint Lucia National Lotteries for the sponsorship to facilitate the key events for 2019.
KFStLu would like to thank its affiliates (Bushido Shotokan Karate Academy, Zanshin Karate Dojo, Budokai Karate Dojo, Hattsuryu Martial Arts Temple, Saint Lucia Shotokan Karate Association, Golden Phoenix Martial Arts Academy and Premier Martial Arts Institute), media houses, parents of the youth karate athletes, and other well-wishers for their continued support.
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