Lacombe heads to Vegas for karate
Sports
Posted 1 month ago
Photo submittedChase MacAulay is one of three heading to the karate world championships.
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Jasmine Franklin
Globe Staff
For the first time ever, three of Lacombe karate students will take their skills to the World Championships in Las Vegas this September.
Chase MacAulay, 10, Michael Ro, junior black belt, and Tracey Grant, intermediate green belt will be competing with the best of the best this September after placing first in the Western Canadian Karate Championship on May long weekend.
"When our kids get the chance to go to a tournament of this magnitude, it's like a dream come true," said Geri Butler, founder and head instructor of Lacombe's Karate and Kickboxing Club. "They have never had this opportunity before and we have some really good kids."
A handful of the 150 students from the Lacombe club qualified but only three will be attending the championship. Butler said this competition is the top — should students place first here, they will receive a world champion title.
"I'm excited to be able to go and compete," said MacAulay. "I like going to tournaments and winning trophies."
"It's more about the experience for them," she said.
Butler said karate is an excellent sport for individuals because of various reasons.
"Parents say their kids do better in school because they really learn how to focus," Butler said. "I've seen children come in completely uncoordinated, they had two left feet I'm sure, and then down the road here they are getting their belts — it's incredible."
Students practice two to three times per week.
The Lacombe branch began in 1990 with just a handful of students upon requests from parents; it all grew from there Butler said.
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