3 May 2002 Lincoln student fighting to get to Mexico

First-year Lincoln student Honor Davies of Christchurch became the toast of the Lincoln University team to the recent national University Games when she was selected to represent New Zealand Universities in karate at the World University Karate Championships to be held in Mexico City in October this year.

Honor, aged 18 and studying for a Bachelor of Recreation Management degree at Lincoln University, won two medals at the Student UNI Travel NZ University Games held at Waikato University over 25-28 April. She won a gold in the fighting section and a bronze in the demonstrations event.

A past pupil of Christchurch's Marian College, she was thrilled with the result.

"It just feels fantastic and really good to be recognised and rewarded for all the hard work I have put into karate," she said.

Her attention will now be focused on raising enough money to compete in the world event that will cost in excess of $2000.

Lincoln's team manager for the NZ University Games, Mandi Fowler, was ecstatic with the result.

"It shows that you do not need to go to the big universities to succeed in your chosen sport," she said.

This year Lincoln University was defending the small campuses trophy at the games, but this was lost to Massey Albany with Lincoln gaining third place. Mandi believes the loss to be the result of the event being held in the North Island and later than the traditional "Easter Tournament" date.

The games were, however, far from a disappointment for the Lincoln team as it achieved the distinction of receiving the Fair Play Award.

This was particularly rewarding for Mandi and the team as they had regarded this as one of the main aims for the team before they left for Waikato.

The Fair Play Award is for attributes such as sportsmanship, conduct, adherence to regulations and general attitude over the tournament.

George Wallace, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Community Diary is produced by Lincoln University's Communications Group.