March 2024

By | February 27, 2024

The MARCH 2024 issue includes:

  • 2024 Amusement Expo show planners expect banner year
  • Big Al’s FEC partners with Embed’s new GoTrain program
  • Spectrum Sports International continues to build its own success
  • Mack, Lagotronics partner with IMPS for Smurfs interactive ride
  • Great Coasters builds wooden coaster for China’s Fantasy Valley
  • Rides returning to Mexico City’s park with Aztlán Parque Urbano
  • Flyover attraction debuting at Chicago’s Navy Pier
  • Galaxy Multi Rides bucks traditional approach to inflatable parks
  • IAAPA FEC Summit 2024 offers abundance of valuable content
  • Fort Worth Stock Show attendance falls victim to cold weather
  • Gibtown Show successful even with a two-week event spread
  • Aquatica Orlando reimagining WhiteWater West Bowl Slides
  • Liseberg’s Oceana Water World destroyed by fire
  • Nearly 1,500 attend annual Pennsylvania Showmen/Fair convention
  • Women of Influence: Embed’s Sara Paz
  • The TEA 30th Anniversary THEA Awards Gala is ready to shine
  • McGowan Companies acquire Parks Plus Insurance
  • Emerging guest feedback resource builds on real time results
  • StarGuard Elite, Urbnsurf forge partnership for surf park safety
  • NAARSO annual seminar advances safety through communication
  • International Ride Training excited about 2024 Ride Camp success
  • Cashless payments can lead to revenue increases …and much more!

Polin Group appoints Ahmet Sumer as business development director for Latin America operations

By | March 18, 2024

Polin Group is excited to announce the promotion of Ahmet Sumer to the position of Business Development Director for the Latin America region. Formerly serving as the Sales Manager for more than 6 years, Sumer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

As the newly appointed Business Development Director – LATAM, Sumer will lead the expansion efforts of Polin Group in the Latin American market. With his deep understanding of the region’s dynamics and market trends, he is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen the company’s presence in this strategically important region.

Commenting on his appointment, Ahmet Sumer expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to take on this new challenge and excited to further contribute to the growth and success of Polin Group in the Latin America market. I eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with our dedicated team and valued partners to drive innovation, deliver exceptional value, and exceed our customers’ expectations.” Sumer’s appointment underscores Polin Group’s commitment to investing in top talent and strengthening its global leadership team to drive sustainable growth and expansion initiatives.

Santa Monica Amusements, operator of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, announces sale to SC Holdings

By | March 15, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Santa Monica Amusements LLC (SMA), the operating group of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, today announced its sale to SC Holdings (SC), an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. Over the next five years, SC will make $10 million in capital investments in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and welcoming destination for tourists, families, and the community.

Pacific Park is a cultural institution and hub for entertainment and recreation located on the Santa Monica Pier, which welcomes ten million visitors annually. As the only admission-free amusement park in Los Angeles, Pacific Park has delivered some of Southern California’s highest-quality entertainment for almost 30 years.

Pacific Park’s Vice President and General Manager Jeff Klocke and his long-tenured management team will continue to lead the Park’s day-to-day operations. Collectively, this team has 300 years combined experience managing the Park’s operations.

SC Holdings, led by Managing Partners Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic, brings substantial capital and operational capabilities to Pacific Park. Since 2019, SC have been active investors in the entertainment and live experience sectors, including The SpringHill Company, the merger of Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association, and celebrated chef James Kent’s Saga Hospitality Group which is home to multiple Michelin star restaurants, a top ranked bar in the world, events venues, and membership clubs.

In Santa Monica, SC will work closely with Pacific Park’s longtime management team to further support the Pier as a premiere destination for visitors to California and the Los Angeles community. Lars Liebst, who served for 24 years as CEO of the celebrated Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, will serve on SC’s Pacific Park Advisory Board. He will be joined by David Swinghamer, the former CEO of Shake Shack, who brings his successful and highly regarded consumer, food, and beverage experience to the board.

“Having SC as owners and investors in Pacific Park is a milestone moment,” said Pacific Park Vice President and General Manager Jeff Klocke. “The Pier is a treasured part of Santa Monica, and a place where both tourists and Angelenos come for fun and relaxation. SC’s investment and resources will help us expand what makes Pacific Park great today and write its next exciting chapter.”

“We’re honored to support the Park’s growth through investments into its programs and operations,” said SC Partner Adrian Williams, “The Pier and Park are such iconic parts of Southern California’s coastline, and we want to make sure they stay a welcoming place where visitors and locals can come have fun and relax.”

In the coming months, SC and Pacific Park will make additional announcements about growth and developments on the Pier, including new food and entertainment amenities. For more information on Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, visit www.pacpark.com.

Movie-like action and improvements on set: Movie Park Germany rolls out the red carpet for the 2024 season!

By | March 14, 2024

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN, Germany — New year, new production schedule on the Hollywood set! Movie Park Germany is kicking off the 2024 season on 22 March. Germany’s largest movie and amusement park will once again show itself to be as diverse as the various film genres: from adrenaline-packed action on the attractions to new horror scenes in the Halloween autumn and to festive experiences inspired by Christmas movies, guests can expect a versatile script for the whole family in 2024.

Movie Park will further reinforce its identity as a movie and amusement park. The former “Pizza & Pasta” restaurant will be transformed into “Trattoria Hollywood” with an American-Italian ambience and a new “all you can eat” concept. A new Tom & Jerry 4-D movie experience and various events will also ensure days full of fun in 2024, while the “Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Mystery” show with Christian Farla will have another season in summer with some new illusions. Christmas wishes will come true again at the end of the year: Following the positive guest feedback last year, the winter event “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” will continue and create an original American Christmas experience with over 700,000 lights, shows and entertainment.

“In the last few years, Movie Park Germany has continuously developed and integrated its movie- related theme more and more clearly into the park. We will follow this direction in the future,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus. “At the same time, we have made some improvements and renovations in the park during the winter break to optimize the experience in Hollywood in Germany.”

In order to further develop the central theme of the park, the future of the 4-D simulator “The Lost Temple” is also set to be planned and conceptualized for a reopening in 2025.

Together with its partner SimEx-Iwerks, Movie Park is bringing a piece of nostalgia to the big screen in the Roxy 4-D cinema with Tom & Jerry 4D Experience in the 2024 season. The legendary rivals are up to no good. The two frenemies are determined to win their epic cat-and- mouse battle once and for all, leaving a trail of commotion and destruction wherever they go. With added special effects and eye-popping 3-D, “TOM & JERRY 4D Experience” brings viewers along on a hilarious adventure fit for the whole family. Both fans of the old cartoon classics and the younger generations come together here. The movie thrives on its humor and can be easily understood by all national and international guests.

More magic returns to Studio 7! Award-winning illusionist Christian Farla once again takes on the role of the most famous detective in movie and literary history. A revised storyline and some new illusions are planned for the continuation of the successful “Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Mystery” series in the summer from July 1 to August 25.

The Movie Park production team has more news from the set to announce and can already place a cliffhanger for 2025: To fulfill a great wish of many guests, the 4-D simulator “The Lost Temple” is to receive a new storyline. Like the “Movie Park Studio Tour” roller coaster and the new stunt show “Operation Red Carpet”, this attraction is to be further integrated into the park’s Hollywood DNA with a new family-friendly adventure. The attraction will therefore remain closed for renovation work in the 2024 season.

During the winter break, some renovation work was on the production schedule at Hollywood in Germany. As part of its quality strategy, Movie Park has extensively renovated its former “Pizza & Pasta” restaurant and changed its concept. In the new “Trattoria Hollywood”, guests can expect a new, cozy ambience in American-Italian style. For a one-off fee, they can enjoy pizza, pasta, salads, and snacks from an Italian “all you can eat” buffet, choose their drinks from the beverage dispenser and linger in the new dining area with around 250 indoor seats or use the outdoor terrace. At the start of the season, the new trattoria will open in “soft opening mode” to optimize operational processes.

In Hollywood, the first scene of the day already counts – and so does the main entrance to the park! To create more space for the flow of visitors, the ticket office area was remodeled during the winter break and some of the ticket booths were removed. The freed-up space now highlights the view of the archway at the entrance and the Movie Park skyline on arrival. In addition to operational and visual factors, the park reacts to the change in visitor behavior in recent years: over 90 percent of tickets are now purchased online and in advance, meaning that fewer ticket booths are required than was once the case.

New ideas are also implemented in the retail area. The park welcomes a new candy shop behind the attraction “The High Fall” in the western area. Here guests can find colorful fruit gum strings, candies, wine gums, jelly sweets, and candies in various shapes and flavors, inspired by typically American candy stores.

The characters from PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants are popular stars at Movie Park. To meet the high demand from guests for meet and greets, the “Back at the Barnyard Bumpers” bumper car attraction makes way for a new stage in the recently renamed “nickelodeonLAND”. This is how the popular character show can take place or meet and greets can be held even when it rains, regardless of the weather conditions. The new stage is supposed to be ready for use in summer 2024.

The Cheerleading Championships will once again provide plenty of action over the Whitsun weekend. After last year’s successful premiere, the Camera Day will continue and herald the start of summer. Amusement park fans, content creators and photographers can use the Movie Park backdrops exclusively for photo shoots and video recordings on a closing day. Due to its popularity in recent years and to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its cosplay event, Movie Park is hosting the Cosplay Days for the first time on two days in mid-June. The US Car Show and Spotlight – Dein Auto im Rampenlicht will also bring cinematic US entertainment to the park. The hour of horror will strike again in the fall, when the 26th edition of the Halloween Horror Festival will kick off with 24 event days between September 28 and November 10 and provide new scary surprises.

The Movie Park Entertainment Crew will also provide Hollywood entertainment. a new street act is planned to entertain guests, as well as a new show in the Warsteiner Saloon, which can take place regardless of the weather. There will also be a new performance at the Santa Monica Pier and on the New York Plaza Stage to cover as many of the park’s themed areas as possible.

As the last highlight of the year, “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” will be continued with over twenty event days and will enter its second season at the end of November. A few days ago, Movie Park Germany received the prestigious FKF Award for the premiere in the category “park novelty” – which is usually only given to new, major attractions. This is the first time that the award (presented since 2003) has honored an event instead of a ride or themed area.

The park team will now tackle the second season of “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” with new inspiration. The Movie Park crew was able to gather numerous experiences in the first event year and will incorporate them into all upcoming plans until Santa Claus, Marilyn Monroe and the grumpy movie clapperboard S.A.D. knock on the winter gates of Ho-Ho-Hollywood again.

Kennywood most-a-peeling name is…..

By | March 14, 2024

The results are in for Kennywood’s Vote for the Most A-peel-ing New Ride Name Sweepstakes to name the all-new Potato Patch fries themed bumper cars. Potato Smash comes out as the clear winner claiming half of the total votes submitted. With deep-fried determination, Kennywood fans cast almost 20,000 votes during the week long spud-tacular sweepstakes with one lucky winner receiving a 2024 Gold Season Pass and a year supply of Potato Patch fries.

Potato Smash is well on its way to welcoming guests for this one-of-kind experience this upcoming season. The most appetizing attraction around is getting the total ‘tuber’ treatment during this off-season. Park teams have painted the Potato Smash marquee an eye-catching red and yellow with the iconic symbol of the Potato Patch® eatery. Brand new artwork now covers the walls around the bumper car track with imaginative Potato Smash designs that perfectly showcase the mash up of both beloved brands. Even better, more families can enjoy Kennywood’s cheesiest ride together – with the new experience comes a lower height requirement, too. Potato Smash permits riders at 42 inches tall and drivers at 48 inches tall.

Hero Zone adds new free roam VR escape game and flexible mobile configuration for Amusement Expo International

By | March 14, 2024

GENK, Belgium — Hero Zone, provider of the largest network of operator-powered free roam virtual reality solutions in location-based entertainment, is proud to expand its catalog of free- roam VR game titles with a new escape game, as well as adding a new, flexible mobile set-up for amusement operators.

Hero Zone will return to Las Vegas in booth 1939 at Amusement Expo International 2024 from March 20-21 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Hero Zone recognizes that there all kinds of amusement business operators with varied business needs, so we keep coming up with additional hardware configurations to meet our customers where they are and where they are going,” said Hero Zone Sales Director Aziza Jarnija. “We also want to be sure to have a range of VR games that guests will love, from escape games and zombie shooters to player versus player competitive titles and collaborative games.”

Hero Zone’s second VR escape room title, developed in-house, is an epic sci-fi adventure called “Wayfinders: Escape From Aurora”. “Escape From Aurora” transports crewmates to the heart of a space station on the brink of destruction after it was struck by asteroids. The mission is to navigate through the ravaged rooms of the station and save its crew before the time runs out, while solving puzzles, working together as a team, employing logic and taking action. “Wayfinders: Escape From Aurora” is one of eight VR game tiles offered to Hero Zone operators.

Hero Zone Mobile is a new flexible solution that allows operators to easily set up free roam in spaces from 15’ X15,’ to ‘20 X 20’, to 20 X 30, whether they are looking to build and offer fixed VR in an existing facility or they are taking Hero Zone outside to a pop-up event that can be set up in around ten minutes. Hero Zone Mobile comes in a rugged and easy to transport flight case that contains a 15” laptop computer and router, 6 Pico 4 VR headsets and 6 extra batteries for continuous play.

Former Exposition President and CEO, Wayne McCary, receives “Circus Ring of Fame” honor

By | March 14, 2024

Wayne McCary, of East Longmeadow, Mass., past president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (ESE), was honored with the distinguished “Circus Ring of Fame” Award, Feb. 10 in Sarasota, Florida. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus over the span of a career.

With over 150 inductees from around the world, the “Ring” began in 1988 as a way to honor world famous circus artists and the rich circus heritage of the Sarasota area. Each year honorees are nominated by the public and voted on by former inductees, historians, scholars and knowledgeable members of the global circus arts community.

McCary, who began his career at ESE in 1973, founded The Big E Super Circus, one of the premier circus engagements in the country, serving as producer for more than 40 years. The circus continues to this day at The Big E as Circus Spectacular. He also served an unprecedented 40 consecutive years as producer of the Maine Shrine Circus dates.

Since 2009, he has served as vice chair and director of the Federation Mondiale du Cirque (World Circus Federation), Monte Carlo, collaborating with Princess Stephanie of Monaco promoting circus arts worldwide.

McCary is also the recipient of the International Association of Entertainment Buyers’ (IEBA) Founders Award, as well as Hall of Fame distinctions from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) and Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association (MAFA), making the Ring of Fame his fifth industry award. 

During his career at ESE he served as chair of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), IEBA and IAFE, and was the first fair manager named to the board of directors of the Country Music Association. He is recognized in John H. McConnell’s “A History of the Shrine Circus” and Robert L. Parkinson’s “Directory of American Circuses 1793-2000.” He has made it his lifetime ambition to entertain millions of enthusiasts through his contributions to the amusement industry.

A bronze wagon wheel plaque, recognizing his contribution to circus arts and culture has been permanently installed on the walk at St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota. He joins circus greats such as famed animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, aerial superstar Nik Wallenda, comedic daredevil Bello Nock, aerialist Struppi Hanneford and timeless clowns Lou Jacobs and Emmett Kelly. The Circus Ring of Fame also includes leaders of the circus arts industry such as P.T. Barnum, the five Ringling Brothers, Irvin and Kenneth Feld, Guy Laliberte, Prince Rainier of Monaco and many others.

Other 2024 Circus Ring of Fame Inductees were:

  • Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco, President of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo
  • Multi-talented circus equestrienne, animal trainer and vocalist, Catherine Hanneford Carden
  • Guinness World Record holder for longest and highest human cannonball shot, David Smith, Jr. and his father David Smith, Sr.
  • Circus Arts coach, Bob Yerkes will become the inaugural winner of the Willie Edelston Circus Arts Coach of the Year award.

Image Engineering welcomes Megan Gannon

By | March 14, 2024

BALTIMORE, Md. — Image Engineering is excited to welcome Megan Gannon to its account management team as the Business Development Manager for Themed Entertainment. Image Engineering looks forward to the continued growth in this industry with her expertise in the attractions and themed entertainment world.

Megan brings experience in training, documentation, operations, and an excitement for public speaking at industry events. Megan frequently volunteers to help young professionals in the industry and represents her passion on the IAAPA North America Education Committee. Her network is made up of fellow industry professionals from her previous roles in theme parks and her positions as an IAAPA Expo Show Ambassador and AIMS Young Professional Council Member.

Image Engineering looks forward to incorporating Megan’s perspective into our work and continuing to develop the network it serves.

Image Engineering found its niche in the live events industry back in 2004 when it partnered with the Baltimore Ravens for CO2 effects at each home game during player introductions. Since this time, Image Engineering now works with over 16 NFL teams, and national level league events for MLS, MLB, NBA, and NHL clients.

By leveraging our long-standing engineering and fabrication team, Image Engineering is now translating our live events production expertise into installations and special effects integrations throughout the country.

TouchTunes announces FunWallet, a first of its kind cashless payment platform in amusement industry

By | March 14, 2024

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — TouchTunes Music Company, LLC (“TouchTunes”), North America’s largest in-venue interactive music and entertainment platform, is announcing FunWallet, a cutting-edge cashless mobile payment platform. This industry-first digital payment system will allow users to easily pay for a full range of in-venue amusement machines with their phone.

FunWallet will allow users to pay for in-venue entertainment using credits in the TouchTunes mobile app. The new platform will be enabled at no cost on any Internet-connected machine or payment device. In addition, a low-cost retrofit kit will be available for any machines that are not already connected. These innovations mark a new era for TouchTunes as the company continues to create incredible entertainment experiences for bars and restaurants that bring people together.

“We see this as a huge step forward for the amusement industry as we continue to invest in innovative ways to level up the in-venue amusement experience for consumers, for the bars and restaurants they love, and for our operator partners,” said Ross Honey, CEO of TouchTunes. “Our goal is always to make the in-venue entertainment experience as seamless as possible, so people can focus on what really matters – having fun and connecting.”

TouchTunes will launch FunWallet with Bullshooters from its recent acquisition of Arachnid 360’s leading electronic darts business. In addition, Valley-Dynamo, the number one manufacturer of tabletop games including billiards, and ASK Global Solutions, a provider of cashless payment devices, have also signed up to integrate with FunWallet as their exclusive mobile, cashless payment platform.

“FunWallet provides a unique opportunity to modernize payment systems within our industry, bringing more money to our operators in a more efficient manner,” said Kelye Stites, CEO of Valley-Dynamo. “We are thrilled to be working with TouchTunes to bring this along.”

“The launch of FunWallet is a huge step forward for us from a cost, revenue, and customer experience perspective,” said Chip O’Hara, Owner of Midwest Coin Concepts. “This type of offering shows us that TouchTunes is a true partner that supports our business and future growth.”

FunWallet presents a massive opportunity for operators to grow revenue and save on costs, while consumers can enjoy social gatherings at bars or restaurants with the convenience of mobile payments. FunWallet will become available later this year, starting with the Bullshooter dartboards, and additional devices thereafter. For more information, and to stay up to date on the latest exciting news from TouchTunes, please visit www.touchtunes.com or contact funwallet@touchtunes.com.

Massanutten Resort caters to increased demand with new indoor waterpark and hotel

By | March 13, 2024

MASSANUTTEN, Va. — Massanutten Resort, a premier four-season resort located in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, today shared updates on the major enhancement of its Indoor WaterPark, along with a planned new-build hotel slated to break ground this Spring. The first phase of an overarching, multi-year master plan that will see Massanutten further diversify its award-winning offerings – including a new 55+ active adult lifestyle community and more – the WaterPark expansion and new hotel are both expected to be completed by early 2026.

“A transformative Master Plan is underway, which will take our current offerings to the next level and redefine the guest experience at Massanutten Resort,” remarked Steve Krohn, president and chief operating officer of the Resorts Companies. “Our commitment to providing unparalleled hospitality experiences remains unwavering, and this expansion underscores our dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction.”

Due to heightened demand at its nationally recognized, award-winning WaterPark, a sprawling indoor/outdoor complex, Massanutten Resort is planning a significant expansion of the Indoor WaterPark. The Indoor WaterPark will expand in two areas: a 6,000-square-foot expansion will connect the new hotel and atrium to the current Indoor WaterPark facilities; on the other side of the current Indoor WaterPark will be a 22,000-square-foot expansion. Two of the marquee attractions that will be introduced there are a three-lane, headfirst mat racing slide that will bring out the competitiveness in friends and families with an added gaming element, as well as a family raft ride with one-of-a-kind light, sound and design features replicating a Cosmic Slide experience. Also new will be an enhanced kiddie area with pools and slides designed specifically for little ones, as well as a large wave pool. An additional array of new attractions including an adult pool, cabanas, a dining terrace with increased food and beverage options and a bar will offer immersive experiences to guests of all ages.

The WaterPark addition will be attached to a new-build 144-room hotel, which will feature flexible accommodations ranging from king and double queen rooms to king bunk rooms and two- and three-bedroom suites. Guestrooms and suites will be thoughtfully themed to cater to the diverse needs of large families and smaller parties alike. The hotel will feature a stunning 6,500-square-foot atrium connected to the WaterPark for seamless guest access, featuring cascading waterfalls, glass walls with views into the Indoor WaterPark, easy control technology and handicap accessible paths. The atrium and hotel public areas will serve as vibrant activity hubs, with a bar and breakfast area overlooking a spacious patio, a board room, a 2,600-square-foot flexible event space that can be divided and a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with the latest exercise stations and weights.

“We are excited for Massanutten Resort and our community as we all embark on this exciting expansion project,” stated Joel Hensley, District 5 supervisor for the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors. “With the involvement of local contractors, Harmon Construction and Mather Architects, this development not only enhances our region’s tourism appeal but also exemplifies our commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity within our community.”

The WaterPark expansion and new hotel are designed not only to enhance Massanutten’s offerings, but also help the resort operations team manage capacity – reducing sell-out dates and offering opportunities for larger groups to enjoy quality time together. In an effort to continue creating the optimal guest experience, Massanutten Resort will also be expanding its parking facilities, adding 300 additional spots.

“Announcing phase one of our Master Plan is a moment of excitement and pride for all in the Massanutten community,” said Dice Hammer, chairman and chief executive officer of The Resorts Companies. “Our team puts a relentless focus on innovation and we all share a deep commitment to our guests, owners and community. We’re excited for what the next few years of significant growth will hold.”

VLocker showcases community youth support with donation to Warriors Martial Arts Foundation

By | March 13, 2024

DUNLAP, Tenn. — Amusement industry supplier and the 2022 Golden Ticket Award winner for “Best Innovation,” VLocker has made a donation to support the youth of Tennessee. The company’s $1,000 donation to the Warriors Martial Arts Foundation will aid in travel expenses as local youths compete at an international martial arts tournament.

“The Warriors Martial Arts Foundation is not just about training, it’s about letting kids be kids!” commented VLocker COO Steven Wooley. “From the entire team at VLocker, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all the young individuals in this organization.”

The Warriors Martial Arts Foundation, a non-profit in Dunlap, Tennessee, announced that its students have qualified for the 2024 WKU World Martial Arts Tournament in Rhodes, Greece. The foundation is seeking donations to cover airfare, lodging, meals, team fees, division fees and uniforms.

The group’s students — known as God’s Warriors — have achieved remarkable success, with five becoming Gold Medal Champions. However, financial constraints have prevented some from participating in world events.

“It is important for us to help them realize their worth,” stated Donna Rhodes, president of the Warriors Martial Arts Foundation. “Those who practice martial arts adhere to certain principles: respect for themselves and others, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, and self-esteem.”

The Warriors Martial Arts Foundation’s mission is to give children a voice, providing assistance to children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or are victims of domestic violence, drug abuse and low-income families. The group sponsors training in self-defense, situational awareness and how to defend themselves against bullies. Students are taught to stand up for what’s right and not be afraid to speak out.

Anyone can donate to support the group by visiting freefunder.com/campaign/wku-world-championship.