VALDEEN SHEARS
Neither St Lucia nor the Hyatt Regency Trinidad saw them coming. They, however, knew they were both going to leave their mark...literally. Sisters Amirah Williams and Shania Mahadeosingh first put the hurt on their competitors at the St Lucia Classics in their respective divisions, then again at the Hyatt two weeks later.
The duo are members of the Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts International—facilitated through Kids In Need of Direction (Kind) at Pashley Street, Eastern Main Road, Laventille. The sisters, along with Carlene Donald, manager of Kind’s Martial Arts Programme, travelled to St Lucia the first week of August, where Shania copped first place in the ten-12 kata (gold plate).
Amirah, on the other hand, showed them that she was also a force to be reckoned with in the kata division in her age group (eight to ten), and brought home gold. Both sisters, residents of Mango Alley, Laventille, also placed third in the sparring division and earned medals.
“It was very exciting from the start, knowing that I was getting to represent Kind, PWMAI and most of all, my country. I know I will continue to get better, because I intend to earn my black belt soon,” stated nine-year-old Amirah, a student of Nelson Street Girls’ RC. Twelve-year-old Shania, a Form One student of St James Secondary, exuded the same confidence.
“It was very nice going to St Lucia, as it was the first time going on a plane. When I realised I had to represent not only Kind, but Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts International and my country too, I decided to train harder and longer hours. I wanted to bring back first place for my team. “I know my mom is so happy with the opportunities we are being given through Kind.
“I want to really thank Miss Carlene, our grand master Cromwell, Sampai Akil Valley, my teammates and mommy (Kenisha Douglas) for seeing our potential.” The two have been students at Kind for over a year and a half, and are active participants in its martial arts and literacy programmes.
Another aspect to Kind’s services is their annual school supplies drive, where almost 60 children benefitted, and 22 were rewarded for outstanding academic achievement.
The event took place on August 18, at Pizza Hut, St James, and the two sisters were among those recognised for both sports and academia. On August 22, the pair wowed the judges with their skills at both martial arts and stick fighting at the North American Federation Martial Arts Tournament.
The elder sister shouted “Boi” when she beat out her US contender and copped first place in her age division and also copped second spot at the KATA level. Shania, though, was neck and neck with fellow PWMAI member, Aaliyah Danclar in that division, but was proud to share the podium with her friend. Amirah placed first at the KATA level in her age division.
The Kind programme has a membership of 32 students, with 20 at competitive level.
About kind
Kids in Need of Direction (Kind) is a charitable organisation founded in 1996, which aims to provide assistance to disadvantaged children across T&T.
Empowering children and transforming lives is their mission and it is carried out through their main programmes—Literacy for Life (Lit 4 Life) and martial arts. Other complimentary services include counselling, medical assistance, back-to-school assistance, food hampers and personal enhancement workshops.
While the organisation is based at Pashley Street, Eastern Main Road, Laventille, it has served over 6,000 children across the country. Parents also benefit from programmes facilitated through and at Kind’s offices.