Georgetown, Guyana – (November 3, 2018) Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, last night, attended an Auction, Dinner and Ball held in honour of Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, who has been teaching karate in Guyana for the past 50 years. The event was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel.
Dr. Norton pledged government’s unwavering support for the development of youth and sports in Guyana.
“The Guyana Karate College [GKC] continues to evolve and is vibrant in keeping the sport alive. The turning of the sod in November 2010, started a process which I look forward to seeing realised. The construction of a karate Dojo at Liliendaal will bring enormous benefits for the community and by extension the country. The development and discipline of our youth through their participation in the sport, will see…stronger community relations, a greater sense of cohesiveness and the creation of a safe space for our youth. The Government of Guyana will continue to provide the needed support to see the successful completion of this venture”, he said.
The Minister of Social Cohesion also lauded the efforts of Master Frank Woon-A-Tai in developing the sport.
“Master Frank Woon-A-Tai is a name synonymous with discipline and excellence, he is a legend in his field and the world of karate. He not only possesses power of technique but strength of character as well. Master Frank, I must comment you for being one of the key players who are helping to sustain and develop karate in Guyana today”, Dr. Norton said.
When completed, the Liliendaal facility will also serve as the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) headquarters, which is currently housed at the Carifesta Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, giving an overview of the GKC, Mr. Roger Peroune, Fourth Dan ASK-G, said that “It was in 1968 that Master Frank Woon-A-Tai started his journey as a karate instructor and took the initial steps which was developed into the Guyana karate College that we are currently seeing on go today. During the years karate became a staple in Guyana, hundreds of students practicing the various dojos that fell under Master Frank’s guidance in the 80’s and 90’s, continued with an increase in dojos under his banner across the country. We definitely made our mark by punching and kicking to solidify Guyana as a strong contender in the Karate arena. Master Frank realised that evolution was necessary and it was in 2006 that the Guyana Karate College was officially started. From then to now, we cannot overlook some of the things that we have accomplished in competition by producing world, regional and national champions”, he said.
Additionally, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Nigel Hughes, who chaired the ceremony and performed the role of auctioneer, informed that all proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of the Liliendaal facility. Guests were able to bid on and win tickets to any COPA, LIAT and Fly Jamaica airlines destinations and trips to resorts and hotels, which were auctioned off without hesitation.
Throughout the ceremony, tributes were paid to Master Frank Woon-A-Tai from various associations within the karate fraternity.
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