Many more youngsters in Cayman are now able to enjoy all the benefits studying a martial arts programme can bring, thanks to sponsors such as Island Heritage, who have recently agreed to support the Purple Dragon Martial Arts scholarship programme.
Island Heritage joins an ever-growing list of local companies, including Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited, Conyers and Dill, Digicel, Cayman National, CML and RE/MAX, all happy to ensure that as many young people as possible can participate in such a hugely positive and rewarding programme.
Developed to bring the possibility of learning martial arts to youngsters who may not otherwise be able to afford to do so, the Purple Dragon Martial Arts scholarship programme is quickly gaining momentum as more youngsters and their parents recognise the positive impact such a programme has on young lives.
Monique Bush, Manager, Marketing & Communications with Island Heritage says the company is delighted to participate in such an important programme: “As martial arts promote positive self-growth and development, we feel strongly that the Purple Dragon Martial Arts scholarship programme is a cause worthy of our support. We are excited at the prospect that even more youngsters will now have the opportunity to develop and grow not only their martial arts skills but their inner strength as well.”
Young people who are signed up for the programme do not do so lightly. They are expected to show dedication to the programme by signing an agreement committing to regular attendance, timeliness, maintenance of school grades and behaviour reflecting respect for individuals and property. Scholarship sponsors will also receive reports from Purple Dragon teachers, parents, school and counsellors, tracking the performance of the students.
Purple Dragon dojo chief Sensei Floyd Baptiste says the impact the programme has on the youngsters he trains is significant.
“We often see young people with mental, behavioural or physical challenges, while others come from broken or disadvantaged homes or simply don’t have the money to take part. The scholarship programme opens up a whole new set of possibilities for the young people and we see results in improved behaviour and attitude almost from the very start of their participation,” he explains. “It is thanks to the generosity of companies such as Island Heritage that we are able to make this possible. We are deeply grateful to Island Heritage for their support.”
Anyone interested in further information should contact Cathy Williams at 916-9900 or email her at cathy.williams@remax.ky. Alternatively, the Purple Dragon dojo is on 946-1241 and purple@candw.ky. Visitors to the dojo’s Facebook are welcome at Facebook/PurpleDragonCayman or may visit the facility at any time. The school is located at the Micro Center, North Sound Way in Industrial Park.
###
Caymanian Compass – 22 October 2013
Cayman Active – 23 October 2013
