ITF World Champs - Italy 2015

I am requesting financial aid toward the sum of $6000 as a New Zealand representative in the discipline of Taekwon-Do. The event is the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Championships, and is held in Jesolo, Venice, Italy, commencing 25th May 2015.

The funds requested would cover things such as flights, accommodation, insurance, team gear and other sporting related costs.

About me, I am 26 years of age, part Maori from south Auckland. As long as I can remember, I have always been interested in martial arts. At the age of fifteen, I joined Taekwon-Do, and shortly after started competing, eventually gaining experience and a few trophies along the way. My most proud of which being the Best Overall Male Grand Champion at the Oceania competition in 2006. Recently, for the first time I trialed for the New Zealand team, and was successful. No one in my family has ever been selected to represent New Zealand, which makes it a very proud moment for everyone involved.

I am 1st Dan, which means the first (of 9 levels) of black belt. The event I have been selected for is the 'Men's 1st Dan Patterns'. Which, if you're unfamiliar with is the same as a 'kata' in Karate. Or rather, a choreographed set of movements exercised with emphasis on great control, power, technique, flexibility, showmanship and a number of other factors. The maximum number of competitors allowed from each country in each division is two. So to be chosen is clearly a great honour, and clearly a great responsibility. With the responsibility of finances taken care of, it would leave me free to completely focus on my training, in the best hopes of getting the gold medal, and contributing to the New Zealand team's overall success.

About the New Zealand team.

The New Zealand team have proven to be a very dominant nation on the world stage. For over a decade, we have consistently placed within the top 5 overall best countries in the world, and in 2011, when held in our own Wellington, we were ranked number 1. A huge achievement. It's no secret that Kiwi's are often among the greatest the world has to offer, often a testament to our unprecedented work ethic and ingenuity.

Being a part of this team and event fills me with pride, honour and joy. Plenty of blood, sweat and tears go in to any sort of training to be at this level. I aspire to be successful in this campaign, and am optimistic about competing at the following World Championships to come.

Thank you very much for your time.