Moray teens set to storm the European stage

Moray trio set for European Championships
Moray trio set for European Championships

THREE MORAY TEENS are kicking up an absolute storm in the world of Kickboxing on the international stage – now they are fighting to cover the costs of continuing to compete at the highest level in their sport.

Lossiemouth High School pupils Tara Carroll (17), Nathan Cory (16) and 15-year-old Hannah Weatherly are so highly regarded they were selected for the Great Britain squad for this summer’s European Championships in San Sebastian, Spain.

“This is a massive achievement for us,” Tara told insideMoray this week, adding: “There are only five fighters from Scotland that have also been selected.”

Training at Kaizen Kickboxing in Elgin, the young trio have gained their GB places through hard work and dedication that must rise above that of counterparts who do not have the added burden of long-distance travel to events – and the costs that goes with that.

Tara said: “WAKO (the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation) is the biggest organisation in Kickboxing so it is a great honour to have been selected – especially as only two people can be selected for each category.

“To have three of the five Scottish fighters coming from Moray shows that the local talent is here for this sport. The three of us are very committed to our training and preparation, which involves travelling across the UK for training with the rest of the team – and we have our eyes set on medals!”

Tara, Nathan and Hannah gained their places in the GB team through success in the British Championships and regularly travel to attend squad training with the national team – but that comes at a heavy cost for all five of the Scottish members of the team.

“We have been fundraising for the European Championships in Spain – but living in Moray presents extra costs, as we have to meet the rest of the GB team in London before heading out to Spain for the competition,” Tara explained, adding: “To help us with this extra cost we have set up a crowdfunding page – we would dearly welcome donations of any size to help us in our efforts.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause is invited to read more about the team and consider donating towards the modest £600 target they have set to help cover their costs.