A community jujitsu fundraiser will bring martial artists together Friday evening in Elmira to help a local teenager and his family cover expenses connected to ongoing leukemia treatment.
The Fight for Zane fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. at Team AFK Jujitsu, 103 Hoffman St., with sponsored one-minute sparring rounds and a basket and silent auction.
Junior Black Belt Sydney Gibbs organized the event as the community-service project required while she works toward a black belt in AKT Combatives-Jujitsu. The fundraiser will benefit fellow Team AFK student Zane Ulrich, who was diagnosed with leukemia Dec. 15 and has spent significant time receiving treatment and traveling to medical appointments.
Organizers said proceeds will help Zane's family with travel and other incidental expenses tied to his care. Zane is expected to attend the event.
Participants collected pledges based on the number of one-minute rounds they complete, although supporters may also make flat donations. A $1-per-round pledge, for example, would produce a $20 donation if a participant completes 20 rounds.
The rounds will use friendly, light-contact sport jujitsu. Participants who do not spar may instead grapple or complete rounds on a punching bag, allowing people with different experience levels to take part. Organizers hope to complete more than 100 rounds.
Students and instructors from Team AFK and AKT Combatives Academy in Olean are expected to participate, along with AKT Combatives-Jujitsu founder Barry A. Broughton. The event is open to community members who want to support the family.
More information is available from Team AFK Jujitsu at 607-207-4641 or Shawnie@TeamAFKJujitsu.com.
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