JOHANNESBURG, April 18 2007 – Olympic Taekwondo hopeful Donald Ravenscroft believes that the demise of sport funding by the South African Government and Sports Ministry to the SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation) is going to create fewer medals at the Olympics and impact the future of the country and it’s youth.
Ravenscroft has been based in London for the last two years, with no external funding, to improve his international competitiveness.
“As South Africans, we have so much talent but do not have the international experience or complete support to take us to the next level of achievement and that really frustrates me,” said Ravenscroft.
“South Africa is too far removed from the International and European Taekwondo circuit and it makes it more difficult to win or be tactical in your approach when you’re competing against fighters who compete with each other on a regular basis and are constantly pushing the boundaries.”
With two previously unsuccessful attempts at the 2000 & 2004 Olympics, Ravenscroft made the decision to temporarily relocate to the UK to compete on the European circuit and improve his Taekwondo sparring technique.
With gold medals under his belt, including the British Heavyweight Championship and All African Championship, he is working towards the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The World Championships in Beijing, China (May 2007) and World Qualifiers in Manchester, UK (September 2007) are his next challenges.
Ravenscroft wants to raise the standard of Taekwondo in South Africa and help influence and inspire hundreds of Taekwondo enthusiasts in South Africa who could be the Olympic stars of the future.
Ravenscroft added: “I am very thankful for the support I have received over the last eight years and now as a more experienced fighter, I would like to use my knowledge by helping the communities who need it most.”
The philosophy of Taekwondo strives for discipline, honour, respect, integrity and an indomitable spirit which has an impact to those that participate.
Led by Mr Godfrey Mokoboto and South African team coach Master Cho, the South African Taekwondo Federation have actively uplifted several township communities by introducing Taekwondo as an activity to uplift children without previous extramural interest.
Ravenscroft intends to bring an international standard of Taekwondo to South Africa, helping influence and inspire hundreds of Taekwondo enthusiasts who are Olympic hopefuls.