GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Mpumelelo Ntabeni from Umasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet is the latest sportsman from the town who has been selected to represent his country.

Ntabeni recently competed in the SA National Karate Championships in Johannesburg, one of ten representing the Eastern Cape and after some excellent results, won gold in the full combat discipline. He has been selected to represent South Africa in Blackpool, England in November, and is extremely excited about his first overseas trip.

The 43-year-old has been participating in karate since 1992, and has a real passion for the discipline. He has worked in the construction industry in the past, but is currently unemployed.

According to the letter he received from the Full Contact Martial Arts Association, the trip is expected to cost in the region of R35 000 - a huge amount for an unemployed man. Ntabeni is appealing for help from the Graaff-Reinet community in the form of sponsorship, as he really wants to be able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to represent the town he loves in the overseas arena.

Anyone who can help in any way, be it as a direct financial contribution, or to organise a fundraising event, can contact him on 064 145 4059.

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