HKF President lauds SVG Open Karate Championships

The combined administrative abilities of the executive of the Hairouna Karate Federation(HKF), along with the input of the corporate community, other entities, as well as the karatekas from across the region which contributed to the hosting of the SVG Open Karate Championships, have been lauded by the local officials.

President of the HKF, Claude Bascombe Jr. told SEARCHLIGHT that the two days of the championships, and the three days prior, have given the sport a shot in the arm.

The championships were held on April 8 and 9 at the West St George Secondary School, preceded by seminars, workshops, and training sessions at the same venue, from April 5 to 7.

Conducting the seminars, workshops and training were world class coaches Sensei, Dr. Wesley Shim of Trinidad and Tobago; former Pan- American Champion, Sensei, Cameron King of Barbados; and WKF Judge, Pearl Gerding of Suriname.

Commenting on the five days, Bascombe Jr. said “ We have accepted a responsibility, that is, to push the boundaries beyond the confines of our perceived limitations and came to the full realisation that we were only limited by our imagination”.

Reflecting on the overall impact of the five days, Bascombe Jr. pointed out “We have opened the doors of this rich and fertile soil and embraced 34 athletes from eight teams representing six countries within this region who all answered the call as the HKF seeks to bring all karate practitioners together to achieve one common goal, which is, the development of Karate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and, by extension, the English speaking Caribbean”.

The championships had participants from Anguilla, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, who joined with members of the three Vincentian clubs to make the event a mini CARICOM undertaking.

The HFK president noted that the success of the entire exercise was achieved by astute planning and execution.

“ We were able to accomplish the hosting of the championships by strategically positioning ourselves, forming alliances, and creating opportunities for all within an environment where our athletes can begin to excel,” Bascombe Jr emphasised.

He expressed thanks to the main sponsor, Shotocup; as well as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee; the Seishin Karate Club; St Vincent Brewery Limited; Kari Bites; Massy Stores; Guiltless Yogurt; Hot 97.1 FM; Facey Trading; OSV Group; and others who made an input into the championships and training.