Unison Kata World Champion Edwina Boonzaier was at risk of losing her title because she couldn’t afford to travel, one group changed that for her.
Mark Bayly had seen a story in the Cape Times about Edwina Boonzaier and it moved him. Edwina is the current Youth Unison Kata World Champion. The story described how a lack of funds would prevent Edwina from defending her title and that her family had been doing everything in their power to raise the money.
Edwina is a 17-year-old Symphony High School matric pupil and she is part of a team of young fighters from the Samurai Karate Matroosberg. She was selected to represent South Africa at the 2018 19TH Kimura Shukokai International World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden.
In the story she said attending was very important to her and she hopes to make her family, community and country proud.
“Ever since I was selected I was thinking about the only thing that can prevent me from achieving my dream, which is funds. I deserve a chance to defend my title and I have been training hard,” – Edwina Boonzaier
When Mark shared the story on his social media, he had no idea that it would be the post that helped Edwina get the funding she needed. He took to social media a week after his original post to share the happy news about the funding.
“Last week I posted a Cape Times article about Edwina Boonzaier and her dream to defend her World Championship Karate title in Sweden. Several friends pledged financial support and I am most grateful to them. One, in particular, tweeted the story, and it was seen by The Community Chest, who today presented this young lady with a cheque to ensure that she can take part in the championship and hopefully retain her title.”
“A champion is acknowledged. A dream comes true.” – Mark Bayly
This is wonderful news and we are so happy to hear that Edwina will be able to represent SA. The Tournament will be taking place from the 17th of July.
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