Seven to compete in Wushu Pan Ams

Bermuda is seeking to collect its first ever gold at the Pan American Wushu Championships next month.

The event is being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from October 6-11.

Garon Wilkinson said the Bermuda Sanshou Association has come a long ways since the 2006.

“In previous championships we have competed in san shou and for this championship we will participate in taolu as well. This is a big step towards expanding our programme and improving the overall level and awareness of wushu on the island.”

He added by having a junior involved — Samir Furquan — is also proof the programme is maturing.

This will be the third Pan Am Championships for the BSA, which has also competed in two world championships.

Wilkinson said: “The Beijing tournament was especially memorable as that tournament served as the Olympic qualifier for the Beijing Wushu Olympic Tournament and also because wushu in the national sport of China. Disappointedly we failed to qualify for the Olympic event but the experience we gained was invaluable. As a result we are all much better athletes now.

 Representing Bermuda are Sentwali Woolridge, Shannon Ford, Reyel Bowen, Jermal Woolridge, Talia Iris, Furqan and Wilkinson.

At the 2008 Championships in Brazil both Jermal Woolridge and Wilkinson won bronze medals.

Wilkinson said: “I think we’ll do extremely well.”