Ashgill raise £10,000 to send martial arts students to world championships

Oct 29 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

YOUNG martial arts students, their families and friends, and the Ashgill community have united to raise a staggering £10,000 and send 13 Elite Freestyle Karate and Kickboxing International students to the world championships in Ireland.

The students head off tomorrow (Friday) for the WKC World Championships in Dublin, thanks to the amazing fund-raising efforts which have taken place over the last nine months.

While students raised cash, a generous grant was made possible by councillor Jackie Burns, and donations flooded in from various bodies, including the Army.

Hayden McFadden, fund-raising committee chair, said: “On behalf of the team we would like to thank all who have supported our fundraising efforts.

“We have had wonderful support from many local businesses, local charitable organisations, as well as the community – including a grant arranged by councillor Jackie Burns.

“In particular we would like to thank the various units of the British Army who, despite all the pressures they are under at the moment, organised various fund-raising activities for us and contributed generously to our fund.”

Hayden added: “The youngsters have been training very hard to prepare for these championships and are all eager to represent Scotland and compete against the best in the world.

“Win or lose we are all immensely proud of our children for reaching this level in their sport, and I am sure this will be a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The world championships in Dublin get underway tomorrow (October 30) and run till November 4.