Wright To Represent Team Ontario
Chatham’s Patricia Wright will compete for Team Ontario – Contributed Photo
Patricia Wright is a student at Chatham’s Zanshin Dojo Karate Club. At 39 years of age, she did not expect to be competing at a national level at this stage of her karate training. But when the opportunity arose for her to qualify for Team Ontario through the Athletes With a Disability (AWAD) program, she was ecstatic.
The National Karate Championship, run by Karate Canada, will bring together high profile athletes and expects to draw spectators and participants from all over the country, as the nation’s best talent takes to the rings. This event is the top-level karate competition in the country. Team Canada will be selected based on results from this competition for the World Karate Championship in Austria.
Patricia has trained in karate for many years, but returned to regular training about two years ago after a hiatus. Daniel Whittal, the chief instructor at the Zanshin Dojo Karate Club in Chatham, is Patricia’s sensei (karate instructor) and coach. Whittal, a fourth degree black belt in Legacy Shorin Ryu karate and certified karate coach under the National Coaching Certification Program, will be accompanying Patricia to the Championship in B.C.
“This is a great opportunity not only for Patricia, but for our whole karate club. We are all thrilled. We see Patricia’s dedication and training, and she is an inspiration for all of our young students. We know she will do us proud at the national level,” says Whittal.
Patricia has epilepsy, for which she requires the services of her seizure response dog, Georgia. She was also struck by a car in 2010, which caused a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, and other injuries which have resulted in limited mobility on her right side. As a result, Patricia walks with the assistance of orthopedic devices such as a walker or cane. During her karate training, she wears a brace on her arm and ankle, which assist in steadying her while she executes her techniques.
“My disabilities are a challenge, but they don’t hold me back,” Patricia explains.
“I know that I am expected to train hard, just like the other students – Sensei Whittal and my fellow students at Zanshin Dojo are very supportive.”
Since qualifying for Team Ontario, Patricia has intensified her training in her home club and also at the official Team Ontario practices in Mississauga, which take place weekly.
“Our karate club is working on putting some funds together to assist Patricia,” says Whittal. “Since she is unable to drive a car, she takes the train to Mississauga for the practices and is responsible for that cost. She must also cover her own airfare to Vancouver, her accommodations while there, and her Team Ontario uniform.”
Whittal expects that Patricia’s total cost will be in the range of $3,675. If any local businesses are willing to sponsor Patricia, or any individuals are interested in donating, please contact Daniel Whittal at info@zanshindojo.ca or visit Patricia’s fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/patriciakarate.