Looking ahead: Karate event will benefit cancer groups
The fight against childhood cancer has some new, tough and determined allies.
Spokane’s Elite Martial Arts school has joined with the Liberty Lake Rotary Club and the Inland Northwest Candlelighters to bring the 2007 Washington State Karate Championships to Central Valley High School next Saturday.
Between 250 and 300 karate students, age 4 up, will compete in six age groups. Six grand champions will be crowned as martial artists compete in forms, weapons and point sparring as well as in musical routines and in demo teams of five or more.
All of the proceeds from the event will go to support the Inland Northwest Candlelighters, with 100 percent of all entrance fees paid by competitors and spectators going to the Childhood Cancer Foundation, which is directed by Mary Anne Ruddis.
Candlelighters describes itself as an “action oriented group that offers a support system to meet very practical needs of young cancer patients and their families.” The nonprofit organization helps area children and their families in their fight against cancer.
And now they have some martial-arts back-up.
“We took a look at this and we determined that, since we have all of our expenses covered through donations, we can give 100 percent of the proceeds to the Inland Empire Candlelighters,” spokesperson Amanda Tong said. “We saw where we can make a big difference for an organization that has a limited budget. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year and $15,000 next year. The entire budget for the foundation is just $100,000, so we feel this will make a big difference.”
Elite Martial Arts found its inspiration close to home.
“The father of one of our students flies cancer patients to Seattle,” Tong said. “And we heard from Mary Anne. She talked to us about losing two of her own children and her husband to cancer. She told us that, if it weren’t for the Candlelighters, she wouldn’t be here today.
“We just felt we could make a difference.”
Making a difference is part of what learning martial arts is all about, Tong said.
“This is totally in keeping with why we teach martial arts,” she said. “It’s about respect, and it’s about helping people who need a hand.”
Elite Martial Arts has 75 of its own students entered in the tournament.
Entry fee for competitors is $39.99 per person for unlimited competition. Admission is $10 per person, with children under 5 admitted free. Competition kicks off at 10 a.m. at Central Valley High School.
For more information on the tournament, including entry information, contact Elite Martial Arts at 838-KICK (5425). Information is available online at www.elitemartialarts online.com.
Information about The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation national office can be reached through the organization’s web site: www.candlelighters.org.