Last July, the annual AAU National Karate Tournament was held at the Pheasant Run Resort in Chicago, Illinois. This was a tournament in which competitors from all across the nation had to qualify in order to compete.

During this tournament, 13-year-old Anjelica Rivera, who is an 8th grade student at Union Gap School and trains at the Yakima School of Karate, became second in the nation for Weapons and third in the nation for Kata in her age category.

Anjelica Rivera, who is generally amongst one of the smallest competitors in all her divisions, has received an invitational letter from Mount Prospect, Illinois. The invitational letter invited Anjelica to become part of the 2013 Junior World Karate Confederation’s 9th World Championship Team and represent the Union States of America in Melbourne, Australia on May 9th, 2013. Anjelica is one of three competitors, and the only female, selected to represent Washington State. The other two selected competitors are from Walla Walla and Yakima.

This great honor is truly an exceptional honor but unfortunately comes with a great cost and with very little notice. The cost to become part of this prestigious team is $4,600.00 per participant and Anjelica, due to her age will be required to have a parent or guardian with the same expense of $4,600.00.

Anjelica's family is asking for any help possible, either private or even a corporate sponsorship, to help make this honor a reality instead of a dream and to help support a local youth from Yakima to possibly become a Junior World Champion within her age category.

Any questions can be directed to Hector or Marcie Rivera at (509) 952-1399. Donations can be made in the name of Anjelica Rivera and mailed to PO Box 9262, Yakima, WA 98909.

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