8 medals for Trinidad and Tobago at Caribbean Karate Champs

NARISSA FRASER

TT copped a total of eight medals to finish in third place at the recently-concluded Caribbean Karate Championship.

The tournament was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from July 24-29.

A total of ten athletes, children and adults, represented TT in different disciplines
Jyri Spicer won TT's sole gold medal in the +75kg kumite for adults, while Cassidy Sam, Roshelle Lue Fatt and William Grant got silver in the female kata (12-13 years) and -65kg kumite (female; adult), and -61kg kumite (16-17 years; male), respectively. The team won four bronze medals earned by Grant in the male kata (16-17 years), Landon Batson in the male kata (12-13 years), Destiny Garcia in the female kata (14-15 years) and Kerron David in the male kata (adult).

TT Karate Union PRO Darryl Thomas told Newsday the athletes' achievements bring "immense joy" to the organisation and for the sport locally.

"...Especially since the tournament was held in honour of our late president, Sensei Philip Kalloo," he added.

Kalloo died on February 7. He was an educator, karate instructor, coach and referee, among other things.

Thomas continued, "The journey has always been a challenging one but the hard work, perseverance and dedication of the karate has have paid off.

I believe they represented team TTO proudly, and fulfilled their duty as national athletes."

He said the union is grateful for all the support it has received, and despite TT being a small country, " We possess enormous talent, and we look forward to new opportunities for continued growth and accomplishments."