Wits students need a nudge for world champs
BRAAMFONTEIN – Fifteen Wits Tang Soo Do members are hoping to secure financial backing so that they can compete at the 2018 Tang Soo Do Championships in London.
The Wits Tang Soo Do club have now set their sights on the ultimate prize in the discipline following a tremendous year of competition.
Comprising 15 high-flying members, the team is preparing to take on the rest of the world at the 2018 Tang Soo Do World Championships in London in August next year.
In the period of competition that kicked off in October last year, the 15 student-athletes earned the nod for a place in the South Africa team after winning 180 medals over the calendar year.
“Judging by the way we have been dominating [tournaments] throughout the year, our selection for the South African team came as no surprise,” said former club chairman and assistant instructor, Kim Lucas.
“Having 15 members of a student club selected to represent South Africa is a phenomenal achievement and we have really worked hard [to get here]. We are confident that we will bring back the gold for South Africa with the truly one-of-a-kind athletes that we have.”
Lucas added that the team would, however, require financial support if they were to make good on the opportunity of representing South Africa on the international stage.
“Our success has obviously come at a price. In order for us to compete next year, we need to raise about R32 000 per athlete. Our team is comprised entirely of students and very often this results in various financial restraints and academic pressure.
“Any assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated and we are certain we can come up with various incentives – such as brand advertising on our South African uniforms – or any other means of providing a valuable service to any donors.”
Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Gregory Hart said the camaraderie at the club had been pivotal in raising the club’s profile and landing the students in global competition territory.
“The students have created a great sense of camaraderie,” he said. “This energy has come from the students themselves as well as the student leaders on campus.
“Not only have the students learnt the camaraderie, however, but have also gotten a hold of the entire ethos associated with Tang Soo Do.”
Details: email kimlucas55@gmail.com
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