13-year-old Calvin Smit will be representing WMO Team Canada in the WMO World Karate Championships this October in Dublin, Ireland. July 25, 2017. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent). 13-year-old Calvin Smit will be representing WMO Team Canada in the WMO World Karate Championships this October in Dublin, Ireland. July 25, 2017. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Chatham

Chatham Karate Kid Goes International

A Chatham boy has just qualified for the WMO World Karate Championships in Dublin, Ireland.

Calvin Smit, 13, has been practicing karate with Chatham's Zanshin Dojo Karate Club for close to five years. He is going into Grade 8 at McNaughton Avenue Public School this fall.

Smit recently placed in the all-belt division at a Canadian karate tournament and was invited to represent WMO Team Canada at the upcoming world championships on October 13 and 14.

Smit says he's excited "to possibly win something and to make new friends there, and learn new styles of karate."

He says there are three fundraisers coming up to raise money for his trip to Dublin.

"The first one is a bottle drive on August 18 and 19. Then on September 15 from 5 to 7pm there's a roasted chicken dinner. There's [also] a Go Fund Me on right now by my club Zanshin Dojo Karate Club," explains Smit.

Those interested in donating money towards Smit's trip can visit his Go Fund Me page.

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