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22 June 2005
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Karate unifies to form Karate England in historic move to modernise and build sport’s participation and success
Sport England today welcomed the unanimous decision by karate’s representative organisations to come together as one unified Governing Body, to be called Karate England.
The new organisation will encompass the English Karate Governing Body (EKGB), English Traditional Karate Board (ETKB) and National Association of Karate & Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS). The unification will enable the sport to work more closely together towards increased participation at grass roots level and greater international success.
Roger Draper, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: “We are delighted that the representatives from across the world of karate have decided to merge under the new ‘Karate England’ umbrella. This is another positive step forward in the modernisation of sport and will help to ensure that all those across karate are working together in the drive to boost participation and success to maximum effect. We are very pleased to have been involved in these positive discussions and look forward to working with the unified England Karate going forward.”
Minister for Sport Richard Caborn echoed that statement: "This is very welcome news. One strong, consolidated governing body for Karate is good for the sport and for the public. I continue to urge other sports who have not taken this step to modernise, to do so."
Representatives from EKGB, ETKB and NAKMAS today welcomed the merger and will now develop a project plan for the development of the new Karate England body. Key next steps in the modernisation process include the appointment of a Chief Executive and board for the new organisation to lead the governing body through the transition process and onto implementation and delivery of the sport’s Whole Sport Plan.
Billy Brennan, Chairman EKGB Ltd, said: “"Following the positive and extremely successful outcome of the Karate unification meeting hosted by Sport England, the English Karate Governing Body (EKGB) is delighted to embrace this new opportunity with the coming together of the major Karate groups. The EKGB will do its utmost to ensure the newly enlarged body is an overwhelming success".
Bob Poynton, ETKB Co-ordinator, added: “ETKB are delighted at the outcome of the meeting. We look forward to working with our colleagues in EKGB and NAKMAS to develop a Governing body to which all English Associations will be proud to belong."
Joe Ellis, NAKMAS Chairman, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this outcome. It is fantastic for karate and will be great for NAKMAS and its members. All three groups have huge experience in corporate governance which will benefit the new Karate England body.”
For further information or interview requests
Please contact Vivien Paulson-Ellis, Sport England Communications Manager, Tel: 020 7273 1822 / 07798 677860 or email: 07798 677860.
Details of the unification will also be posted on the following websites: www.ekgb.org.uk; www.nakmas.org.uk, www.kugb.org; www.powwowsportz.co.uk.
Notes to editors
Whole Sport Plans are four-year business plans outlining how a sport intends to achieve key objectives in terms of increasing participation and success. Measured against key performance indicators to ensure delivery, Whole Sport Plans form the basis of Sport England’s four-year funding for sport.
The three representative organisations worked together on the Whole Sport Planning process alongside
Nick Halafini of Pow Wow Sportz. Nick project managed the development of the Whole Sport Plan and alongside Sport England and the three bodies has played a key role in the unification process.
Sport England is the strategic lead body for sport in England and invests both Lottery and DCMS Exchequer funding into sport.
It aims to make England an active and successful sporting nation and to provide opportunities for people of all ages to start, to stay and to succeed in sport.
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