Martial arts students bid for Thailand trip

Published 10 Mar 2010 14:14 5 Comments

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FIGHTING HARD: Barrhead star boxers Carly and Emma are on a fundraising mission

By Jennifer Cauley

SIX young martial arts superstars are getting ready for the toughest fight of their lives.

A group of Barrhead's most talented Thai boxers will head to Thailand this October to train with sporting supremos as they bid to become the best in the world - if they can raise the staggering £7000 needed to fly there.

The youngsters, aged between 11 and 19, will fly to the East to undergo a gruelling training regime but only after completing an equally difficult task at home.

Desperate to visit the camp in Pattaya, youngsters are racking their brains for more ways to collect the cash.

They have held car washes, done fun runs and handed out football cards in an attempt to reach their target.

Their efforts have so far netted them £2,700, but instructor Kirsty MacIntosh is keen to keep the momentum going.

Former Barrhead High pupil Kirsty, who will accompany her students on the trip, said: "We've been fundraising for more than a year to try and get this money together.

"It's very expensive, because the kids class as adults now.

"It's going to be a great experience for them, though, and they're all really looking forward to it.

"Because it's the country where the sport originated, they have quite tough discipline - the kids know they aren't going for a holiday.

"It will be hard-going and they'll train as fighters. It's hard work, but it's so enjoyable, and we've got a lot of promising students who will benefit from the experience."

The camp, which will see the kids living in basic conditions, is popular amongst celebrities as well as professional athletes - featuring on reality television show 'Adrenaline Junkie'.

For Kirsty, who has undergone the training herself on many occasions, this will be the second time she travels abroad with a group of her pupils.

She added: "One of the girls has been before and she loved it, even though it was difficult.

"We're trying to do something a bit different for the kids, and it would be amazing if someone could sponsor us. Even a little bit of help could go a long way - whether it's a small donation, or sponsoring the air fare of one child."

Plane tickets can cost almost £800, so if you think you can help the prize winning team, contact Kirsty on 07749112727, or the newsdesk on 0141 4358837.

This article appeared in Barrhead News 10 Mar 10

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Davie
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Mar 30, 10:04
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Good luck to them.

I used to do kick boxing and went to Thailand a few years ago to train in a camp similar to the one the se kids are going to.

It's hard work but definitely worth it and it is a beautiful country. What an experience for them

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Mrs Macdonald
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Mar 30, 10:08
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I agree Davie.

I went to Thailand in 2002 and it was a wonderful experience. I only wish I had the opportunity to go there when I was a teenager. I didn't go to a training camp or anything just a holiday but it is such a lovely place I really hope the kids can raise the money they need.

Good luck

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sally
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Mar 30, 10:09
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thats cool it should be great fun, i hope everybody helps them out and makes it possible for them to have this adventure

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John
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Mar 30, 10:09
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what an experince for these kids. Thai boxing is a great sport and to do it in Thailand will be amazing for them. who knows we may have a future olympic champion!

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Mr Henderson
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Mar 30, 10:10
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it sounds like they are very ambitious kids and work very hard, they deserve this chance in life to try and be the best. unfortuntly there is a credit curnch going on but hopefully there will be someone with the cash to make this happen for them.

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