Geraldton Guardian News: Congratulations Pasco Sensei and Alicia

Alicia France receives her senior sports star of the year award from David Crothers. INSET: Pasco Costantino receives his coach of the year award from Graham Still.

Monday evening’s 2016 Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards capped off a memorable year for a hardworking father and daughter.

Pasco Costantino was crowned coach of the year after guiding several of his athletes to represent Australia at the International Shotokan Karate Federation’s World Shoto Cup in South Africa in August, while one of his athletes — daughter Alicia France — was recognised as senior sports star of the year after her medal-winning performances at the event.

Both were very humbled in being recognised by their sporting peers and said they were hopeful it would raise further awareness of karate in Geraldton.

“It is definitely a major highlight and milestone in my karate life,” Costantino said. “It will be good for the Geraldton club and proves a point that what we, as an organisation, are on the right track with what we aim to achieve.”

France added: “I felt honoured to be recognised within our community for my sporting achievements.

“And I am also excited that it may encourage others to learn about karate and consider doing it themselves.” All of Costantino’s athletes have been working hard since the World Shoto Cup, with a very special dignatory arriving in Geraldton early next year before another full year of national and international competition.

“We have our chief instructor, Takahashi Shihan, coming to Geraldton for a seminar and gradings in February,” France said.

“Then in March we have the national titles at the Gold Coast. We will be hosting visiting highcalibre instructors from both Japan and Canada at our nationals.

“In June we have our State titles, being held in the South West.

“Following that, there is a training camp in Japan — called a gasshuku — being held in September.” Despite their successes, the duo are not content to rest on their laurels.

​Along with respect, a major component of martial arts is the art of continuous learning.

“I felt relaxed, prepared and confident at the world titles in South Africa due to my time and effort dedicated prior to the event,” France said.

Geraldton Guardian (25 Nov 2016)
​Justin Fris