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YOUR Independent Community Newspaper THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
Vol. 4 Edition 4
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she is an inspiration for side. all of our young students. She now uses a walker We know she will do us or cane to get around. When Patricia Wright proud at the national lev- During karate training she wears a brace on her heads to Vancouver this el.” Whittal, a fourth degree arm and ankle, which week for the Nationblack belt assist in steadying her al Karate in Legacy while she executes her Champion- “I want to bring home Shorin Ryu techniques. ships, she the gold. I’ve worked karate and She also has a seizure will have very hard and I think I certified ka- response dog, Georgia, already derate coach who is her constant comfeated her can do it.” under the panion. “I live alone so if t o u g h e s t - Patricia Wright N a t i o n a l I were to fall due to a seiopponent. Certification zure, Georgia would bark The 39-year-old Cha- Coaching tham resident has fought Program, will be accom- like heck for as long as it a lifelong battle against panying Patricia to the took for help to arrive.” Since she epilepsy and the effects Championisn’t ofof a severe car accident ship in B.C. “We see Patricia’s six years ago, to compete which takes dedication and training, f i c i a l l y cleared for place Janu- and she is an inspiraat the national level. sparring, “I want to bring home ary 29-31. P a t r i c i a tion for all of our young Patricia will the gold,” she said last be judged suf- students.” week as she completed has on how training at the Zanshin fered from - Instructor Daniel Whittal well she seizures Dojo Karate Club. “I’ve worked very hard since before she was two executes her Kata, a seyears old, but wasn’t of- ries of detailed patterns and I think I can do it.” Patricia qualified as a ficially diagnosed as epi- of movements she uses member of Team On- leptic until she was in an to demonstrate her techniques and knowledge. tario through the Ath- accident in 2010. “I was in karate train“I was riding my bicyletes With a Disability cle on the sidewalk on St. ing for a long time when (AWAD) program. Daniel Whittal, the chief Clair Street when I was I lived in Hamilton,” she instructor at the club is hit by a car,” she said. said. “I quit for a while Patricia’s sensei (kara- “My doctor had cleared but I’m so glad to be able te instructor) and coach. me for riding on the side- to get back into training. He said her story has in- walk since it was safer Karate isn’t a sport to me, than being on the road if it’s a way of life.” spired others. She said the physical de“This is a great opportu- I had a seizure.” The accident caused a mands of executing her nity not only for Patricia, but for our whole karate traumatic brain injury, a moves have helped her club. We are all thrilled. stroke, and other injuries balance and strength. We see Patricia’s dedi- that have resulted in limContinued on page 2 cation and training, and ited mobility on her right By Jim Blake jim@chathamvoice.com
Mary Beth Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Showcasing gorgeous wedding gowns in the Patricia M. Productions fashion show, Enchantment Bridal and Formal Gowns in Chatham was a headliner at the Wedding Show at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham on Saturday. Staff member Samantha Rivard, left, stands with a gown from the Sophia Tolli Collection with help from Melissa Rivard. See story on page 5.
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