Youth Team To Compete At Miami Karate Open
The Bermuda Karate Federation will send its first youth team overseas to compete at the Miami Karate Open, marking a key milestone in its growth as a National Sports Governing Body.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Karate Federation [BKF] is proud to announce that a team of ten young athletes will depart this Thursday to represent Bermuda at the prestigious Miami Karate Open, an annual international event conducted under official World Karate Federation [WKF] rules.
“This marks a historic milestone for the BKF, as it is the first time the organization is sending a youth team abroad to compete since being recognized as a National Sports Governing Body [NSGB] just under five years ago. During that time, the BKF has focused heavily on grassroots and development efforts. This international outing serves as a powerful symbol of the federation’s progress and dedication.
“The selected athletes represent the best of Bermuda’s emerging karate talent. To qualify for the national team, each athlete had to meet strict selection criteria, including participation in at least 75% of BKF-sanctioned events and/or consistently placing in the top three in their respective divisions.
“After months of disciplined training and preparation, the team is now ready to compete on the world stage under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff. The delegation is led by national coaches Nigel Williams, Talia Fox, and Arnold Allen, who have invested months of effort into shaping and sharpening the athletes’ skills for this opportunity.”
Representing Bermuda in Miami:
- Davonte Smith-Richardson
- Dash Bailey
- Amarriah Vaughans
- Zoe Talbot
- Khwai Mendoza
- Alessia Vianello
- Talaya Sousa
- Odin Flanagan
- Dylan Flanagan
- Talia Fox [Coach/Athlete]
“The Miami Open represents more than just medals,” said BKF President Nigel Williams. “It’s about exposing our athletes to a higher level of competition, building confidence, and showing that Bermuda karate can proudly stand among the world’s best.”
The spokesperson said, “This historic trip has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Department of Sport and Recreation, whose Sports Investment Program has empowered the BKF to expand youth programming, support coaching development, and now, enable international competition.
“The Bermuda Karate Federation wishes all competitors the very best as they step onto the tatami to represent their island with pride, skill, and discipline.”
That’s fantastic news! The coaches look incredibly sharp, and it’s clear the team, the BFK executive, and President Johnson all did a superb job. This island definitely needs more initiatives like this! -from an onion in the uk
Correction Mr.Johnson is not the President,Mr. Williams is.