Waterfall College karateka rakes in titles

THE year 2018 has been a phenomenal year for Waterfall College’s head girl, Candice Leslie, and there are some exciting prospects in the future.

She is the school’s SPAR Star of the Month.

At the KZN Karate Awards, earlier this month, 18-year-old Candice Leslie was awarded the Best All-Round Karateka Award – the highest accolade at provincial level.

This is awarded to the athlete who achieves the most medals and highest results of all KZN athletes.

This year, Candice won 14 medals at seven national events, including seven gold, three silver and four bronze.

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The matric learner also achieved Protea Colours, represented SA at the Youth World Cup in Croatia, won a bronze medal at the Region 5 Championships in Botswana and has been selected for the Goju World Championships in Malaysia in 2019.

With this list of accolades to her name, it’s no surprise that she was named Waterfall College Sports Person of the Year, for the third year running.

Candice started karate in 2006, at the age of five, and trains with acclaimed instructors Sensei Ben Mare and Sensei Leonardo Ciutto. She has been a member of Seiwakai Goju Ryu Karate Do SA for more than 10 years.

“Karate has influenced the way I live,” said Candice.

“It has introduced me to people who are as passionate about sport as I am. It has made me more disciplined, respectful and self-motivated, while allowing me to travel the world and experience adventure.”

In August, Candice achieved another personal goal, being ranked number one in both Kata and Kumite for the U21 female division.

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As unassuming as she is accomplished, Candice is a natural leader who pushes herself to be and do more in all aspects of school life.

“Candice has served as an excellent role model for the students at Waterfall College,” says Deputy Principal Bryony Green.

“Her commitment to her position as Head Girl and outstanding contribution to developing Karate at Waterfall College will leave a lasting legacy.”

Despite her busy training and travel schedule, she also finds time to participate in beach clean-ups and other service projects conducted by Waterfall College’s HOPE committee. “I do not really know what I want to be when I grow up, but I know that I want to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Next year, Candice will teach karate at Waterfall College and other schools in the area while she focuses on international competitions and achieving her next goal – qualifying for the Olympics.

“My motto is: ‘If someone tells you you can’t, show them you can.’”

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