THREE juveniles last Friday (November 9) were given the opportunity to participate in a Karate Grading Competition, held by Guyana Karate College at the Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Two of the juveniles are from the Juvenile Holding Centre, while the other was recently placed under the purview of the Child Care and Protection Agency, but would have received karate training while at the Holding Centre.

The juveniles performed well, resulting in one being graded to second brown belt, while the other two were graded to yellow belt.

The Ministry of Public Security, in a release, extended congratulations to the Juveniles, and expressed heartfelt thanks to Sensei Grant and other members of the Guyana Karate College for their support to the Juvenile Holding Centre in helping to change the lives of juveniles.

The release read, “We also extend congratulations to Mr Frank Woon-A-Tai, Chief Instructor and Chairman of the International Karate Association, who is celebrating his fiftieth year of teaching karate in Guyana and internationally, and who introduced the sport of karate at the Juvenile Holding Centre.”

“The Ministry is happy to have exposed the juveniles to a sport that teaches not only physical fitness but also key values such as self-confidence, self-discipline, respect for self as well as leadership skills.

“We therefore look forward to future collaborations with the Guyana Karate College as we continue to enhance the lives of juveniles.”