Coach John Stanley says victories on the national stage for young Yellowknife kickboxers this summer are helping to drive more athletes on to greater things.
Vann Richards and Dominic St Cyr became Canadian champions at Wako Canada’s national championships in Toronto.
St Cyr, who is now a two-time national champ, has training with Stanley Boxing & Fitness for the past three years and will now compete at the North American Championships later this year.
Richards had trained for nationals for only a few months before claiming his title. He described “getting to know the experience” as his favourite part of competing in Toronto.
Stanley said his club, based in Yellowknife, has athletes ranging in age from seven to 25.
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“The idea is to continue having a strong group coming up behind and using the other group to motivate them into continuing competition,” he said.
“The championship wins and the medals are a great motivator for the kids.”
Three Yellowknife athletes are scheduled to take part in the North American Championship in Toronto this September. Meanwhile, one has joined Canada’s national team and will be heading to the world championships in Abu Dhabi this November.
Stanley said the club is “really trying to keep the athletes busy.”
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Alongside the two Canadian championships, three of the club’s athletes won national silver this year while two took bronze.
“When we go to the competitions, I’m not concerned whether they win or not,” he said.
“I want them to be able to fight to their ability and feel proud about their performance.
“This year, everybody rose to the occasion, fought to their ability. Whether they won a gold medal or a bronze or didn’t win a medal at all, they all did their best.”
