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Johannesburg – The dreams of three young karatekas (practitioners of karate) from Eldorado Park in Gauteng wishing to take part in a world tournament in Germany might just come true, thanks to generous News24 readers.
“I am so grateful; all the donations really humbled me. It has been six years since we were given an opportunity to go abroad, now it is finally going to happen,” said Renaldo Kok, 24.
Kok, Chesline Petersen, 21, and Denzelle Bloem, 17, had qualified to participate in the 5th Dojo World Championships in Germany in July, but their sponsor pulled out.
“I have been dreaming about this trip to Germany and sometimes I would lie on the bed and think about just how much the trip to the airport would mean to us – it is really exciting.”
After reading about their plight, News24 readers contacted them to donate money.
They have so far received R33 500 in donations, enough to pay their deposits for the trip.
The trio, who train at the Shukokai karate academy, have been doing karate for more than 12 years and have missed a number of tournaments because of a lack of funding.
Shukokai karate academy's Nicole Koen said she has been overwhelmed by the responses from the public.
“This is a miracle at the 11th hour,” she said.
“It warms my heart that there are so many beautiful, caring, unselfish people in the world, who will just take their time and money to sponsor children they don’t even know."
She said this week, the trio put down a deposit of R10 000 per person towards the trip.
The trip will cost them R25 000 each.
- For others who wish to help, you can e-mail Koen at chibokai@mtnloaded.co.za or e-mail News24 at feedback@news24.com and we'll send your details onto her.
