ZEN Johnson, who is eight years old and vision impaired, has been awarded a $2400 martial arts scholarship.
The Petrie State School student has just started a 12month membership with Strathpine Factor10 Martial Arts and received a complimentary taekwondo uniform and the necessary protective safety gear.
Factor10 chief executive Damien O’Flaherty, a former schoolteacher, said: “I am pleased the scholarship has gone to such a welldeserving young man.’’
Zen is the middle child of seven boys and has had corrective surgery for childhood cataracts.
He still has slight vision impairment but it does not affect him enjoying the sport he loves.
“Zen has great short vision but average long vision, so excelling in some sports would be difficult, however martial arts are perfect,” said Mr O’Flaherty.
Strathpine Factor10 Martial Arts is conducting a free anti-bully education workshop just for parents on Saturday October 5.
The academy, off Gympie Rd, also conducts free martial arts classes for primary school age children during each school holiday.
For further information and details phone 0433 428 858.
As printed in the Pine Rivers Press, Thursday 3 October 2013
