The Voice of North Grenville
The Voice of North Grenville
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ngtimes.bsky.social October 9, 2025
Vol. 13 No. 38
Nine Kemptville kids to represent Canada at World Karate Championships
From left to right: Zack, Lexi, Leena, Matteo, Zain, Hudson, Mazin, Axtyn, Sensei Jayce (Missing: Jairdan) by Sarah Simon This past spring, nine young athletes and three Senseis from our smalltown dojo at Douvris Kemptville fought their way through the Provincial tournament in April, and then again at Nationals in May. Only the top four athletes in each age and weight division earned a spot on Team Canada, and, incredibly, nine of our local kids achieved that milestone in point sparring! Now, they are proud members of Team Canada and will be representing both our country and their hometown of Kemptville at the upcom-
October 9, 2025
ing WKC World Championships in Niagara Falls, Buffalo this October. The WKC World Championships take place every October, bringing together athletes from over 30 countries for a week-long competition. Competitors face off for a chance at gold and the prestigious title of World Champion. Douvris Kemptville has been a proud part of the community since 1997. Sensei Earl, and Sensei Jayce lead and coach the Douvris Kemptville competitive team. Our dedicated karatekas train year-round. The competitive team is
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growing steadily, now with over 22 youth members making their mark on the tournament circuit. These young athletes compete in a travelling tournament every month across cities like Montreal, Gatineau, Toronto, Brampton, London, and Mississauga. With the World Championships approaching, training has intensified. Our qualifying athletes are now training seven days a week, a massive commitment not just for them, but for the families who support them. From late nights to early mornings and even the occasional dinner in a parking lot, the dedica-
tion is real!. With less than a month to go, these kids are training tirelessly to be at their absolute best for Worlds. Their journey shows the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of a strong community. The local competitors who will be representing Team Canada are Leena Atila (age 8); Lexi Ouilette (age 9); Axtyn Simon (age 9); Mazin Atila (age 10); Matteo Mirabelli, also on team Canada 2024 (age 11); Zain Atila (age 11); Hudson Ouilette (age 11); Zack Desjardins (age 12); Jairdan Duffield, also on team Canada 2024 (age 15); and in the adult division, Fernando Braga (unfortunately won’t compete due to injury). Our Amazing Senseis are also representing Team Canada: Sensei Jayce Vergette (7x WKC World Champion and defending point sparring and team sparring champion); Sensei Sierra Vergette (3x WKC World Champion); and Sensei Remy Collar (2x WKC World Champion and defending point sparring champion). These are champions for our community and we wish them well in the WKC World Championships .
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