Karate Canada is pleased to announce that, in accordance with its Carding Nominations Criteria and based on performance results, the following four athletes have been nominated to Sport Canada to receive financial support through the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) for the 2026–2027 cycle:

Hana Furumoto-Deshaies: Full SR1 Card

Karim Ebraheem:     Partial National Card

Yamina Lahyanssa:  Partial National Card

Claudia Laos-Loo:     Partial National Card

“Carding recognition through the Athlete Assistance Program is a meaningful acknowledgment of the sacrifices these athletes make every day in pursuit of excellence,” shared Karate Canada’s Sport Technical Leader and Head Coach, Rodney Hobson. “Hana, Karim, Yamina, and Claudia each represent the very best of what Canadian karate has to offer. We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing everything they will continue to achieve for Canada.”

These carding designations recognize both their exceptional performances on the international stage and their unwavering commitment to representing Canada with excellence. Karate Canada thanks the Government of Canada for its continued support of our elite amateur athletes.

About the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP): The AAP is Sport Canada’s carding program that provides direct financial support to Canada’s high-performance athletes. Carded athletes receive a monthly living and training allowance to help offset the costs of elite sport, allowing them to focus on training and competition without financial barriers. Athletes are nominated by their national sport organization based on performance criteria, and cards are awarded at different tiers, including Full and Partial National cards, reflecting the athlete’s level of achievement and international standing.