A WORCESTER athlete has been selected to represent England at the ITF Taekwon-Do European Championships and World Championships later this year.
Worcester resident and business owner Sally Gleaves hopes to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina in April for the European Championships and to Croatia in October for the World Championships.
However, the self-funded athlete needs to raise £2,500 to be able to compete at both events.
Gleaves, who owns Worcestershire Martial Arts, is seeking sponsorship from businesses to support her at both Championships and has created a GoFundMe page as she hopes to realise her dream and continue competing for England.
Gleaves said: “Since joining the national team in 2021, I’ve had the privilege of competing at multiple World and European Championships, reaching the quarter-finals in every championship I’ve attended.
“Competing at this level has been an incredible journey, and I’m determined to push even further this year.
“As part of a self-funded team, I rely on the generosity of family, friends and business sponsors to make this dream possible.
“Representing England on the international stage is a tremendous honour, and I’m committed to making 2025 my best year yet.
“Your support will directly help cover essential expenses, allowing me to focus fully on training and competing.”
The national team receive no funding outside of uniforms and tracksuits.
This means Gleaves needs to raise funds to cover her travel, accommodation, training and preparation costs.
Gleaves stresses that any funds raised will be used directly to cover her essential expenses.
The Worcester athlete became a multiple world champion in 2022
She is currently ranked fourth in the European and world rankings.
Gleaves has represented England at multiple European and World Championships since 2021, winning various titles throughout her career.
Her business, Worcestershire Martial Arts, seeks to empower individuals through taekwondo, kickboxing and self-defence training.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Gleaves should email: [email protected]
