The Smithers Judo Club is raising money to help send its junior athletes to the Canada Winter Games in February.
The club hopes to send Simbiyez and Say-ez Wilson and Josh Reid to the Winter Games in Prince George.
“The Winter Games are very exciting,” said Simbiyez Wilson, who helped organize the fundraiser.
“We’ve been to other tournaments leading us up to this moment. This is what we’ve been working on since we got our orange belts.”
The club held a fundraiser at the Old Church last Saturday night where local artists such as Agent Button and Azedeh Gagnon, Nameless and Split Seconds performed.
The fundraiser also included a silent auction, door prizes and a dance off.
All proceeds go toward travel and tournament fees.
The event was also to raise money to send athletes to a winter training camp to help prepare them for the 2014/15 competitive season and as part of the qualifier for the Canada Winter Games selection.
The three-day camp also includes instruction from Sensei Nakamura, who has coached at five Olympic Games.
“Sensei Nakamura is an incredible instructor,” said head coach Bernie Mattie in an email.
“This is a rare opportunity for the kids to train under one of the best coaches in Canada and arguably the world.”
For more information email simbiyez1998@hotmail.com.
