Kickboxers congratulated

12 October 2012

The outstanding achievements of another group of Waipa champions was acknowledged recently when Waipa District Council held a civic reception to congratulate kickboxers who recently won medals at the World Martial Arts Champs in England.

Eight of New Zealand's nine member team were from Waipa and all won medals at the world champs. Interestingly, the one non-Waipa kickboxer was the only person to not win a medal - perhaps there is a message in this!

Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston congratulated the kickboxers on their outstanding achievements on the world scene and for further enhancing the district's reputation as the Home of Champions.

Of the five kickboxers from Te Awamutu and three from Cambridge, he particularly acknowledged Te Awamutu's Sam Rist who won gold and silver and Cambridge's Lena Dysart who won two gold medals and Thomas Rea who won gold and bronze.

Mr Livingston also recognised the significant contributions made by our coaches Rick Dobson from Te Awamutu and Colin Rea from Cambridge and how positive the kickboxing achievements are for local youth.

Sam Rist, who has received medals in the last four years that he has represented New Zealand, spoke on behalf of the team and said the world champs were their Olympics and that they were proud to represent and achieve top results for their country and Waipa District.