Please help Wren compete in the JKA World Championships

My Dearest Family, Friends and Supporters,

Hello! My name is Wren Rafael Marcelo from Calgary, Alberta. I am a 12 year old kid who likes spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy school and is part of the badminton and track team, chess and theatre club and I also play the flute in band. Math and Science are my favorite subjects and I am also on the honor roll.

Outside of school, I have been a very passionate student of karate since I was 9. Under the guidance of my teacher, Sensei Lilia Boaghi, I have developed my skills through discipline and dedication in trainings, seminars and competitions.

On May 19, 2024, I had the privilege to participate in the 9th Japan Karate Association (JKA) Canadian National Championships in Montreal, Quebec. Alongside the best karate students in Canada, I set my sights to be in the top 4 of my division for both kata (form) and kumite (practice fighting) to qualify for the Canadian National Team.

With focus and determination I got a silver medal in kata and ranked 4th in kumite. After waiting for the official results, I am happy to share that I am now part of Team Canada. I now dream and focus on the JKA Funakoshi Gichin 16th World Karate Championship to be held in Japan this October 2024 where the best of the best around the world compete. My family, friends, sensei, trainers and teammates can’t be happier for me. It is such an honor and big responsibility to be in the national team. I was told this competition is like the “Olympics of JKA” or the “World Cup of Karate”.

However, to realize this dream coming true also means facing the reality that participating in a global competition like this comes with significant financial costs. Apart from the travel costs, accommodation expenses and tournament fees for Japan which is already overwhelming, I will also be training with some of our country’s top mentors. Among them is one of Team Canada’s coaches, Sensei Don Sharp. This will require travelling to attend their trainings and seminars that will further hone my skills and help me prepare mentally, physically and spiritually prior to the competition. My teacher, Sensei Lilia who placed sixth in her division, will be by my side all throughout this journey and for that, I am grateful.

I am humbly reaching out to you all for your generous support that will motivate and encourage me more to give my very best for Canada. With every movement in my kata I will carry your belief in me. With each move in my kumite I will feel you strengthen me. I am determined to give my all to make you proud.

Along with the rest of Team Canada, we appreciate your support. Every donation makes a big difference and brings us closer to our goal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and for being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we can make dreams a reality!

In the few months leading to the competition, we will also run separate fundraisers to reach our funding needs. We will keep you posted with updates.