A INCREDIBLE teenager who has secured achievement after achievement has been recognised stateside.
Bethan Owen, of Bodelwyddan, has been honoured into the United States Martial Artist Association’s Hall of Fame. She has been inducted into the hall of fame under the category of Inspiration of the Year, the most prestigious honour to bestow.
She received the award - from Supreme Grandmaster Dr William Rankin, a 10th Degree Black Belt.
It was presented to her by cllr Ellie Chard, Rhyl town mayor.
Bethan Owen, a karate instructor and young carer, set up a not-for-profit club when she was 12. The club caters for carers of all ages and classes are taught in Rhyl.
Hall of Fame award - Inspiration of the Year
The Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan pupil, 16, who works at Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele, said: “It has been so exciting for us to be recognised in the USA. When I found out, I was definitely shocked. I wasn’t expecting it at all. We were in contact a year ago just talking. I really wasn’t expecting anything like this.
“The honour is a massive award in America and to be part of the association, for me personally, it has been a massive achievement and my students to be part of. I have never met GM Rankin but I would like to think I would in future. The whole thing came about when he found us on Facebook.”
GM Rankin has invited Bethan to Florida.She hopes to take up the offer in the future.
Bethan with her smaller class due to the holidays
Since the age of five, Bethan has been helping her father Garry care for her mother Julie who suffers from epilepsy.
She was named winner of the St David Award earlier this year. She also secured Highly Commended from The Institute Of Leadership & Management.
Garry Owen, Bethan’s father, said: “We had a wonderful email that we had no idea about. We, as a club, are so proud to have been given this award we couldn’t ask for anything better and to thank Bethan’s students and parents for all their support it is such an honour.”
“We would like to thank GM Rankin, a 10th Degree Black Belt, the United States Martial Arts Association and the directors on the board and America for giving this award to Sensei Bethan.”
“It was presented to her by Cllr Ellie Chard, so thank you to the mayor and students who were at the class.”
Cllr Chard said: "Bethan is a great example to all youngsters being a carer and a great athlete."
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