Joseph's Para Karate Journey

Hi, my name is Joseph. I am a 22-year-old Para Karate athlete with Down's Syndrome. Para Karate is a growing sport and I'm excited to be a part of its development as a member of the England Para Karate Team. I have just been selected to represent England at the Senior European Karate Championships in Spain in March. I will be the 1st intellectually impaired Para Karate athlete to represent England at this competition, so feel very privileged. I am hoping to build on the success of my 2 gold medals at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham in 2022, alongside 2 silvers and a bronze won at other UK and regional competitions.

Para Karate is a self-funded sport currently. Therefore as a disabled athlete who requires support to attend any training and competitions nationally and internationally, the expenses involved are considerable. I am asking for your kind help in funding my future opportunities in Para Karate. Aside from the European Championships in Spain, this year I will also be competing in several National competitions. Plus I am hoping that if an England Para Team is sent to the World Karate Championships in Hungary this year, I will be selected.

I am very grateful to currently receive some funding from generous sponsors. However, this only covers my month-to-month domestic training and travel expenses, plus some smaller regional competitions. For the European Championships alone, my personal costs will be c£1,000 + £500 for 2 competition-compliant karate suits. My 1:1 support will also need to pay c£1,000 for their costs. So a total of c£2,500 just to get me and my support to travel and stay out in Spain for the European Championships!

Thank you so much for all your support and any help you can give in these challenging times - it is hugely appreciated. I hope to do my country and followers proud and will continue to train as hard as I am to give my best.