Northwoods martial artists qualify for Team USA
Jon Barker and returning gold medalists Katrina Maki and Adam Kope will join Team USA in October to represent the USA in Moscow, Russia for their Team USA’s quest for the gold.
The United States of America Federation of Pankration Athlima (USAFPA) hosted its annual U.S. Team Trials and U.S. Championships at Extreme Coutures on March 31 and April 1. The event was a huge success, with a guest appearance by Randy Couture and Urijah Faber.
The event started March 31 with the Adult Pankration and Combat Grappling Championships. The 1st place winners of female and male weight divisions will have the opportunity to represent the USA in its “quest for the gold” in Moscow, Russia Oct. 10-13, at the FILA 2012 Senior World Championships. It should be noted that the 2011 team, competing against more than 60 countries, secured the silver medal.
On April 1, the USAFPA hosted its annual US Youth National Championship in which youth from the ages of 5 to 18 years old competed. The 1st place winners of each weight division will have the first chance to represent the USA in the “Youth Championships” held in Guam in 2013. You can find a listing of weight divisions along with the top 3 winners of each division on the USAFPA website.
Proceeds from this event are directed towards a travel fund to assist each competitor with their travel expenses to Moscow; however with travel costs estimated at $2,000 or more, and a team of 32 athletes, more funding will be needed. The U.S. team’s goal is to field a full roster, something they were unable to achieve last year as a result of funding.
The USAFPA is seeking corporate sponsors as well as private donations, to assist in team funding for both Adult and Youth World Championships. Donations can be made directly through the USAFPA website at USAFPA.org. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, email [email protected].
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