Kicking into action

From the Evening Press, first published Saturday 17th Mar 2001.

TEN-YEAR-OLD Luke Willetts is one of York's magnificent seven kick-boxers who will be bidding for world domination later this year.

Aegis club members Luke, Stephen Potts, Kirsty Price, Mark Long, Tony Dias and instructor Paul Lynch have all qualified to represent Great Britain at the World Kick-Boxing Championships in Vienna, Austria, in August.

They earned their places after impressing at the British Championships where they each won either the gold or silver medal in their respective weight divisions.

Brown belt Luke, from Water Lane, York, won the Under-25kg category to become the youngest member of the Aegis club to make the British team. He took up the sport three years ago and has already reached a high enough standard to teach younger age groups.

Lynch won his tenth British title by beating team-mate Long in the final of the men's 75kg, which was enough to see them both through to Austria.

There was also a first place for Potts in the men's 60kg, while Price was second in the junior girls and Diaz earned silver in the men's 70kg.

A seventh York fighter, Julie Atkinson, was also selected to go to Vienna after a fellow competitor from Leeds pulled out.

A total of 13 members of the York and Leeds-based Aegis club will represent Britain in what will be the biggest championships ever staged.

All need to raise a substantial amount of money to cover the cost of flights, accommodation and expenses for the nine-day trip. Most are undertaking their own fund-raising activities but would appreciate further sponsorship.

New beginners classes are also starting up at the Aegis club, in Fifth avenue, on the first Wednesday on every month.

Anybody wishing to help with sponsorship or for further details on the new classes, contact Paul Lynch on 0831 303093.

Updated: 12:33 Saturday, March 17, 2001

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