I'm forwarding this message on from another list.  This blind college
student has quite an opportunity and I would like to get the word out about
his efforts.  JODY


> From: "harry staley" <[log in to unmask]>
| >
| >>I am writing concerning a remarkable opportunity that i have been
| >> given. I am a Trainee instructor at Harman's Taekwondo USA in
| >> Springfield, MO and have been training under Mr.Harman for about four
| >> years now. I am currently a 1st Degree recommended Black Belt and I
| >> have had the opportunity to become Missouri state weapons champion for
| >> two consecutive years.
| >>
| >> I have been invited by Grand master and my instructor to compete in
| >> the ATA International Invitational Championship this April. While
| >> there i will test for 1st Degree decided black belt. this presents
| >> itself as an awesome opportunity because only a handful of students
| >> nationwide have been given the honor of testing in Korea in front of
| >> the masters council.
| >>
| >> Being a blind person many have tried to negate my training and say
| >> "your blind how can you do Taekwondo" or they may try to infer that my
| >> testings aren't as difficult than those given to others, or that i
| >> compete in a "special ability" ring at tournaments. This is not the
| >> case in fact when i started training and competing my instructor would
| >> not allow me to compete in such rings stating "it would not challenge
| >> me enough". This opportunity will go a long way to open doors for
| >> other blind martial artists and the blind as a whole.
| >>
| >> While there in Gieongiu city i will also be participating in a special
| >> ceremony which marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of Taekwondo as
| >> well as train in the forbidden city in china. One of my vocational
| >> goals is to start a Taekwondo school of my own, and teach all students
| >> that Taekwondo is a sport that is accessible to all ages and
| >> abilities. The lodging and most meals will be provided while in Korea
| >> and China. In order to take advantage of this  opportunity I need to
| >> raise 2100 dollars for my transportation costs. i have raised 500 so
| >> far.
| >>
| >> Harry Staley
| >> 1st deg rec black belt


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