Construction of Karate College to begin soon

Avenash  Ramzan

Despite a significant shortfall in  funds raised in relation to the estimated cost, construction of the Guyana Karate College’s (GKC) new headquarters and Dojo will begin next week at Track ‘A’ Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The ceremonial sod-turning exercise took place yesterday on the acre of land donated by His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo, on behalf of the government and people of Guyana.

The G$50 million facility is expected to be completed within 12 months, provided the remainder of the projected cost is met. The GKC has been able to raise G$15 million through fund-raisers and sponsorship from a few corporate entities.

According to Shaun McGrath of the GKC, four premium sponsors have already committed their long-term support to the college. They are Scotia Bank, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Banks DIH Limited, and Ansa McAl Trading.

Eighth Dan Black Belt, Frank Woon-a-Tai, and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony grabbed their forks and made the first turn of the soil in searing mid-morning heat to bring the college one step closer to realisation. 

Master Woon-a-Tai, who gave an overview of the project, said that he and the late Ian Fung conceived the idea of a karate college four years ago. He said they then approached President Jagdeo with the initiative, and he immediately embraced it.

Woon-a-Tai disclosed that they initially requested to have the plot of land next to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, but that piece had already been taken. President Jagdeo subsequently offered a piece of land on the West Coast of Demerara, but because of the geographic location and the distance from Georgetown, where most of the karatekas reside, the GKC rejected the offer.

The two parties later agreed that the space behind the newly constructed Amerindian Hostel was the most suitable area for the erection of the facility, which will house four Dojos.

“We think that karate will help the youths because there are lots of positive values to be derived, and it will also break the cycle of crime, as well as keep (youths) away from negative behaviour,” Woon-a-Tai pointed out.

He expressed gratitude to President Jagdeo and Dr. Anthony for their assistance in bringing the plan to life.

Minister Anthony showered praises on Woon-a-Tai and the GKC for the bold step they took in staging fund-raisers and seeking corporate support to bring the project to reality.

“I’m extremely pleased with the way you have approached this project. It’s totally different from what the other people normally do; you’re not solely dependent on government,” Dr. Anthony observed. “You’ve actually chartered new territory, and I’m very confident it will be a successful venture.”

The minister called on corporate Guyana to support the college, and said he hoped the facility would aid the long-term development of the sport.

Also attending the sod-turning ceremony were patron of the GKC, Varshnie Singh; Director of Sport, Neil Kumar; executives of the GKF, and well-wishers.