A Belfast karate club that places inclusion at the very heart of its activities has received a £300 donation from Energia Group, parent company of Power NI, Northern Ireland’s leading Energy company as part of its charitable ‘Helping Hands’ initiative.
A member of the largest karate association in Northern Ireland, Wado-Kai Kan Karate Club in the south of the city has received the funding after being nominated by Energia Group employee, Stephen Clarke.
The cash boost has been used by club coaches to help cover the costs associated with hosting and promoting the recent Brunton Cup competition and purchase winners’ medals for the different age groups. The tournament was staged in its current premises at All Souls Church on Elmwood Avenue in South Belfast.
James Brunton – one of the instructors at Wado-Kai Kan Karate Club – welcomed the funding from the Helping Hands programme, saying it has allowed the sport’s benefits to be shared with more people.
“This £300 donation from Energia Group has enabled the club to stage a competition for our younger members,” he said. “Competitions like these are vital to the development and progression of members and without the support of local companies like Energia Group we wouldn’t be able to facilitate them.”
Stephen Clarke – the Energia Group employee who nominated Wado-Kai Kan Karate Club for funding – added: “It is great to work for an organisation that is so generous to grassroots clubs and organisations throughout Northern Ireland.
“As an employee, it is great to be able to source much-needed funding for a deserving club like Wado-Kai Kan. The £300 from Energia Group has gone towards the running costs of a youth karate competition which, I know, has aided the enjoyment, wellbeing, and confidence of younger members at the club.”
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
