15/11/2024
*** IMPORTANT POST ***
Usually on Thursdays we share Throwback Thursday posts but this post is important.
Many of you know Mayon—a familiar face at KUGB courses and competitions, and our current national kumite champion (12-13 years). Mayon’s dedication to karate has been clear from a young age, and now he’s earned the honour of representing England at the European Shotokan Karate-do Association (ESKA) Championships. However, his chance to compete is now in jeopardy due to a long, unresolved citizenship application.
Mayon's parents are assylum seekers from Sri Lanka, and although Mayon was born here in the UK, he is also classed as an assylum seeker. Mayon applied for citizenship at the age of 7 and again in 2020. Despite years of waiting, he still does not have a passport—meaning he may be unable to compete in Portugal on 22 November.
Yet, Mayon’s spirit remains strong. “Nothing’s going to stop me,” he says. With time running short, we’re reaching out to the KUGB Family to support him and ensure he doesn’t miss this incredible opportunity.
Here’s how you can help Mayon:
* Share this post to raise awareness among our karate family.
* Reach out to local MPs on social media, tagging , , , and , asking them to look into Mayon’s application.
Sensei Frank Brennan told BBC News Yorkshire “This situation is jeopardising his attendance at the European championship and the opportunity to represent his country.”
You can read the full interview here : https://bit.ly/MayonESKA2024