STUDENTS of the Leon Hess Comprehensive School who participated in the school’s karate programme were awarded certificates, the first group of students to be given such an award.
This initiative was undertaken by Shotokan Karate-do International Federation Saint Lucia (SKIF Saint Lucia), in collaboration with the school.
The initiative was endorsed by the Karate-Do Federation Saint Lucia (KFStLu) as it is in keeping with its strategic plan which entails increase participation in sport and recreational karate, and in keeping with its Schools Karate Programme.
The recipients of certificates were; Shawnica Willie, Kennisha Henry, Milan Phillip, Zacc Leon, Amena Gaillard, Jahneilhah Philips, Cherrissa Mathurin, Zarial Henry Melody Emmanuel, Nashid Modeste, Tevez Mitchel, Kayma Gittens, Jake Kyle.
On hand to assist in the distribution was Athlete Karim Sifflet who encouraged the karatekas to make karate their sport of choice as it offers several benefits such as discipline, physical fitness, mental strength, and ability to defend oneself.
He also shared his journey to becoming the first Saint Lucian karate athlete to represent Saint Lucia at the highest level of competition by participating in the just concluded Olympic Karate Qualifier in June 2021 in Paris. He encouraged them to constantly practice what they have learnt in preparation for grading exercises in the first semester of the new school year.
SKIF Saint Lucia thanked Sensei Kara-Lee Emmanuel-Theobalds for her dedication as the karate instructor at the school. Theobalds has been instrumental in setting the stage for student interest and participation in karate as a way of life
SKIF Saint Lucia says it looks forward to being part of shaping the lives of students through the art and discipline of karate-do. Plans are being put in place to access karate uniforms and other training equipment to make karate practice at the school an exciting venture.