Help karate starlet to compete across world
Last updated 09:24, Saturday, 30 August 2008
A WORKINGTON teenager will be jet setting around the world to compete in karate championships, but only if her family can raise enough sponsorship money.
Lauren Crawford, 13, of Seaton, will compete against other youngsters at the Festival of Martial Arts in Paris, France, on September 27.
But before she gets there her family must raise almost £400 to fund training and travelling costs.
The family is currently spending about £9,600 a year, almost half their family income, on accommodation, travelling, competition fees and training costs.
Mum Claire is writing to businesses asking for sponsorship to help with costs.
Mrs Crawford, of Kennedy Road, said: “We are paying for the basic training, but can’t afford to keep up other costs. She has always tried hard at this and been really patient. Several people have said she has the potential of being a world champion.
“She has always tried her best. When I think about her achievements I get very emotional. I am very proud of what she has done.”
After France, Lauren will also have the chance to compete in the European Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, in October and the Commonwealth championships in Jamaica and India next year.
Lauren, a pupil at Workington’s Stainburn School, said: “I am really excited to go to France. It just depends if we can get there. I am doing top competitions and have the chance to go all over the world. The best thing about competing is the butterflies before the competition. I love it.”
Lauren has won 54 trophies in four years. Last year she broke her collar bone, and could not train for six weeks. But it did not stop her winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in June.
She battled it out against 10 youngsters from around the world to win her coveted medal in Edinburgh.
She has been doing karate for four years, training every week in Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsaw.
She is a brown belt and is working towards getting her black belt.
If you would like to sponsor Lauren, contact Stainburn School on 01900 325252.
SAli@cngroup.co.uk
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