Dainfern hosts golfing fundraiser to help karateka group attend world cup in Japan

With a team still being put together, the International Japan Karate-Do Association South Africa has already started fundraising for next year's championship with an inaugural golf day in Dainfern.

May 15, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Dominic Nel takes a swing at the golf ball. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Young karateka from the International Japan Karate-Do Association South Africa (IJKA SA) are on the path to representing their country in an upcoming world cup.

Lee Caw and Simoné Venter from Sim Gym at their sponsored hole for the IJKA SA golf day fundraiser. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The contest will take place in Japan next year and fundraising has already begun for their trip. One of the fundraising initiatives planned was a golf day in Dainfern. The funds raised go towards tickets, accommodation and much more for those who make the side.
The golf day saw 19 teams take part in a four-ball alliance format game.

Joshua Burns takes his swing. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Sheerguard’s Carin Jordaan, IJKA SA administration manager, Talitha Lamb and Leandra Neuwenhuys from Sheerguard at the gold day fundraiser. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Managing administrator from IJKA SA, Talitha Lamb said there are high hopes of having a big team head to Japan next year.
“This trip is quite an expensive one for a lot of the children. It’s a really big event since it’s at the main dojo in Japan with the main senseis. There are about 15 countries that will be there,” she said.

Chief instructor of the IJKA SA, Sensei Bernard Buys takes a practise swing of the ball. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Brad Fordham. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“This will be the first big event since Covid. Last year, a few countries couldn’t come to the event in North Macedonia because of Covid-19. We are still trying to put a team together, but we’re hoping to have 30 or 40 in a team.”

Toshiba Tech’s Kingsley Chambers, Shelley Venter, Kiara and Arissa Smitherim with Morne du Plessis at a stand close to the clubhouse in Dainfern. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Greig McConnell, Patrick Berndt, Warren Bosman and Klayton McKenzie at one hole in Dainfern for the golf day event. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

While the competition only takes place next year, Lamb said there is more time to try and raise as much as possible to take as many fighters as possible to Japan. Last year, a group of martial artists represented South Africa and returned from Macedonia with seven medals.
There were about 14 sponsors for the day.

Jacques Weitz looks towards the hole for his shot of the ball. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Mark Nel, Justin le Roux, Brad Fordham and Dominic Nel are all smiles at the IJKA SA golf day fundraiser. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlanee

“We were worried that we weren’t going to get a lot of sponsors at the event. We’re hoping they’re going to sponsor us when we go as well. This is an introduction as to what we’re about, who we are and why we do what we do,” she said.