GEORGE NEWS - Seven karate athletes from George received one of the sport's highest honours when they were awarded official South African National Colours at the Karate South Africa (KSA) Protea Awards 2026 in Durban on Friday 17 July.

The ceremony recognised a select group of athletes from across the country who represented South Africa with distinction at international level during the 2025/26 karate season.

Each recipient received an official KSA Certificate of Merit and a specially commissioned commemorative trophy in recognition of 'Exceptional Performance and Sportsmanship in the Art of Karate by Achieving KSA Colours 2025-2026'. The award is endorsed by KSA, the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).

Recipients attended the ceremony wearing the official Karate South Africa formal uniform, a privilege reserved for athletes who have qualified for national colours and received Sascoc authorisation.

Earning national colours is the culmination of years of dedication, discipline and perseverance. The George athletes progressed through district-level competitions representing the Eden Karate Federation before advancing to provincial level with the Karate Association Western Cape. They were then selected for the Karate South Africa national team, where they represented the country in international competition.

Special recognition was also given to Shihan Mareon Ferndale, chief instructor of Karate-Zen George, whose guidance and commitment have played a key role in developing the local athletes into international representatives of South Africa.

-Compiled by Marguerite van Ginkel

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