Karate kid's coaches picked to represent Wales in Europe (From Barry And District News)

Karate kid's coaches picked to represent Wales in Europe

VALE Karate is this week celebrating as two of its coaches have been selected to represent Wales at Europe's premier event.

Bo Channon and Gareth Reynolds are among only five Welsh international competitors who are to participate in The European Karate Federation Championships taking place in Tenerife in May. The EKF is the European Governing Body recognised by the IOC and the sports councils of 50 European Nations, including The Sports Council for Wales and Sport England.

As well as being Wales' best in their categories - Bo is Wales No1 in Mens Kata, while Gareth fights in the U-60K Kumite division - both are heavily involved in the development of Vale Karate's junior champions.

Vale Karate Chief Instructor Rob Copeland said: "A factor of our success at Vale Karate is that a number of our coaches are top international competitors, still competing at the highest level and passing on the invaluable experience they gain from competing against the world's elite.

"We are Wales' only organisation to have been represented at the last two official World Championships in Spain '02 and Mexico '04.

"We contributed four of Wales' 13-member Commonwealth Karate Championships squad and we are the only organisation to have been represented at all three of one of British Sport Karate's biggest events - The 10K Karate Clash."

Vale Karate's success in the junior ranks was also demonstrated recently when 13-year-old Natasha 'Tornado Tasha' Paton won the Junior Female category at The Vale of Glamorgan Sports Personality of the year awards held at Barry Memorial Hall.

Tasha won no fewer than 14 titles in 2004 including the Welsh title in both Under 16 and Under 14 categories and the Official (BKF) British title for the second year.

For information on Vale Karate telephone Cathy on 01446 419701 email: vale@Valekarate.com or visit: www.valekarate.com