Help Nicolas Compete at the Karate World Championship

Hello everyone!

My brother, Nicolas Benoit, will represent Team Canada at the 2024 World Karate Commission (WKC) World Championship this October, in Portugal. This is the first time the WKC has opened a para-division for athletes like him to compete on the world stage. This will also be Nicolas’ first ever international competition!

Nicolas became Ontario’s provincial champion when he won gold in the para-athlete Kata event at the WKC Canada Provincials on April 6, 2024. A month later, Nicolas won silver in the para-athlete Kata event at the WKC Canada National Championships.

These were some of the happiest and proudest moments in our lives! If you are lucky enough to know my brother personally, you know it is Nicolas’ dream and passion to show the world what he can do (with Down Syndrome being only a part of what makes him so special).

Since Nicolas was 5 years old, martial arts have been a significant part his life. It can often be a challenge to find inclusive places where people with disabilities can not only be accommodated, but also treated as equals. The karate philosophy promotes respect, compassion, and patience, all of which foster a safe and understanding space. We have been very fortunate that Nicolas has been surrounded by amazing senseis and fellow karatekas, who have motivated him to be stronger, focused, and dedicated to this special sport.

Representing Canada is an honor and a privilege. Nicolas is training hard and will give it his all to bring back Canada a gold medal. Simply competing at the World Championship will be an unforgettable experience that will hopefully inspire increased inclusivity in the sports world. We are all cheering him on as he works towards this goal.

Nicolas would like to share a special thank you to our parents for their unconditional support, for advocating for him, and for always believing in him. Because of them, he has the confidence we all admire in him and the undeterred drive of someone who never stops.

The journey to the World Championship, however, comes with costs—travel, accommodation, training expenses, personal support & caregiver costs, and more. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to cover these expenses and ensure Nicolas can focus on what he does best: competing at the highest level.

We are kindly asking for your support to help Nicolas achieve his dream. Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference and is greatly appreciated. Together, we can help Nicolas bring back the pride of representing Canada on the world stage as well as showing the world how impactful & meaningful it is to integrate people with disabilities in all areas of life.

Thank you so much for your support!

Nicolas & Maria-Alba