Description
Hi, I am Qona Christie, I am 18 and have recently been selected to represent New Zealand Judo in Junior and Senior Women grade at the 2017 Oceania Judo Championships in Tonga at the end of April.
The trip will cost $2000 and will cover the cost of accommodation, entry fees, on-mat insurance, uniform and travel.
I started judo at the age of 7 when a family friend’s black belt grandma encouraged me to give it a go. I was a very active child so I didn’t hesitate to start. Over the past 11 years of training, I have gained much success which has meant I have been able to travel with my sport. I have competed in the Oceania Champs which took me to New Caledonia and Canberra as well as competing in many competitions in both New Zealand and Australia. The biggest opportunity I have had so far in my Judo journey was when I was selected to attend an International Judo Federation training camp in Fiesch, Switzerland. This was such an amazing opportunity and I am very grateful for the Olympic Solidarity and the International Judo Federation for funding this trip. I have recently moved up a weight and age group which takes a while to adjust to but I am beginning to gain success in my new division. Last year I managed to win the junior and senior national title in the under 57kg division. With this win I secured a spot in the NZ team. My next challenge will be the Oceania Judo Championship in Tonga at the end of April. This will be my first international competition competing in the senior division and I hope to gain lots of experience from it. In the future I would like to compete in the Commonwealth and Olympic games and represent New Zealand in Judo. For this to become reality I have to train hard and continue to attend competitions overseas. Getting me to the Oceania Judo Championships in Tonga is an important step to following my dreams.
This tour costs around $2000. This will cover flights, competition fees, accommodation and on-mat insurance.
Previously I have won the Oceania Championships in the cadet under 52kg division in 2015 and 2016 so I am very excited to attend my third Oceania competition and leave everything I have on the mat.
Thank you for your support. Qona
