Durban North siblings ready to shine for SA

SIBLINGS Jared and Jenna-Lee Atkinson are aiming to medal for South Africa at this year’s African Union Sports Council Region South Karate Championships in Zimbabwe.

The event, an All Styles karate competition, begins this week and will see hundreds of athletes from countries in the southern tip of Africa, compete in Kata and Kumite.

While the Durban North residents acknowledge the competition will be stiff, their overall goal is to make their country proud.

For Jared, a Crawford International La Lucia matriculant, this will be his final year competing as a junior.

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“I’ll be competing in both the Kata and Kumite competitions, but my forte is Kumite; it is normally where I perform my best. My expectations are to make my family and country proud. I know that it’s my last year as a junior so I will do my absolute best to bring home a medal,” the 17-year-old explained.

Jared added that he was also proud of his younger sister on her recent national cap.

“I’m very proud of my sister. I’ve seen her go up through the ranks on the provincial level, and now, to see her rise up to the level to compete on a national and international stage is quite special. It is also such a special feeling in that we now have three Proteas in the family, including my dad, Kevin. Any time you represent South Africa on stage is an honour and a privilege,” he said.

Jared also paid tribute to his teacher, Renshi Brando Pillay, who has motivated him to reach newer heights.

For Jenna-Lee, a Grade Six learner at Our Lady of Fatima, this will be her first competition on an international stage.

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“I’m so proud to have received my first national cap. I’m only competing in Kumite as it’s my strong suit. My expectation is to come home with a medal of any sort. I’m mostly striving for gold, and I want to make not only the SA team proud, but also my family,” the 12-year-old said.

She added that her motivation in the sport of karate came from her older brother.

“I’ve grown up watching him do these amazing things and represent South Africa. He is my inspiration, and I aim to be just like him. I’m just so thankful to be supported by my family and sensei who’ve always believed in me and my abilities,” she said.

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