Every year each Sport Governing body nominates an outstanding volunteer who has made significant contributions to their sport for the Sport BC President's Award.

This award is presented at the Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Banquet. The recipient for the Karate BC President's Award this year was Tom Mah.

Tom has served Karate BC for over 25 years in a variety of capacities.  He served two terms as president of the association.  He is a provincial and national official and was the chair of the KBC Officials committee.  Tom has done an excellent job promoting officiating as the representative in charge of officials' development in the Okanagan Region.  As a coach, he has produced numerous provincial and national champions.  As an athlete, he has held both provincial and national championship titles.  

NEW KARATE BC EXECUTIVES

The new Karate BC executives are Brian James, Don Sharp, Michael Doherty, Charles LaVertu, and Mark Hepburn.  Brian James is now the new President, Don Sharp is the new First-Vice President, and Michael Doherty and Charles LaVertu are now the new Second-Vice President and Secretary respectively while Mark Hepburn is the new Director at Large.

Photos and information on the new executive are here.  

BC JUNIOR TEAM PLACED 2^nd OVERALL AT THE NKA NATIONALS

Reza Salmani, head coach for the whole team, primarily led group training and kumite, plus review Kata.  Don Sharp, team manager and Kata coach, looked after team fees, management, and both senior and junior Kata athletes plus helped with Kumite training.  Marshall Cheng, assistant coach, primarily coached both senior and junior kumite athletes.  Salvina Croy, assistant women's coach, coached both senior and junior kumite athletes, plus helped with Kata training.  Richard Mosdell, assistant coach, coached both senior and junior kumite athletes, with a specific focus on junior kumite athletes.  

The following is a letter from the head coach of Karate BC, Reza Salmani, reporting on the 2003 National Blackbelt Championships.

"Since I started as Head Coach of the BC Team, I have selected assistant coaches based on their ability and because they had previous experience as competitors.  

I feel we have created a cohesive environment between the coaches by promoting self confidence, self esteem and mutual respect, and have transferred the same onto the Karate BC Team athletes.  We fully encourage a flowing dialogue between the athletes and coaches.

Myself and the other coaches have set up a program where all athletes can participate in the technical training and we have addressed each athlete's strengths and weaknesses.

Despite the short time frame we had to prepare the BC Team for the Nationals, I feel all the athletes performed to the best of their abilities but improvements can be made.

The 2003 National Karate Championships were conducted in 3 rings, with each assistant coach assigned to a ring.  As Head Coach, I found this made communicating strategy between myself, the assistant coaches and our competitors easier and more effective.

For the upcoming year, prior to Tryouts or Provincial and Fall Championships, we should try to have a monthly training session for Karate BC Team and Non-Team Members.  This will allow us to review our performance in advance and address various strengths and weaknesses of the team.  We need to have more friendly competitions with other Provincial and State teams to help keep the team mentally and physically prepared.  

In order to build a stronger and larger team, I believe a meeting should be arranged of all Karate BC Club Coaches to ask for their help in preparing more athletes for future tryouts."  

Here is the link to the results of the National Blackbelt Championships.  

KARATE BC RALLY AT 2010 OLYMPICS

2004 BC WINTER GAMES IN PORT ALBERNI

The BC Winter Games Karate event will feature 12 & 13 year olds in February 2004, in the city of Port Alberni.  The change reflects the provincial government's desire to see the Games as a “stepping stone” to the elite competition categories.  The lowest age for national karate competitors, as of now, is 14 years old.  The weight categories for this group will be -40kgs, 41-55kgs and +55kgs for both boys and girls.  Studies have determined that there are no significant differences between the sexes at these ages.  96 competitors from all zones of the province will take part in this exciting event. There are approximately 650 youngsters eligible to participate in the karate competition.   Participation in this province-wide multi sport event is an experience that could prepare athletes for similar events, such as the Pan American Games or the Olympics.  Also for the first time, junior officials will be used as judges and referees.  All junior participants will be housed in the games facilities during the Games.