WHAT’ S NEWS IN NORWIN
LOCAL DOJO DOMINATES ICO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN WALES
A team of young martial artists from Western Pennsylvania brought international attention to Pittsburgh’ s thriving combat-sports scene after delivering an extraordinary performance at the 2025 International Combat Organization( ICO) World Championships in Swansea, Wales. Representing Team USA, the Allegheny Shotokan“ Viola” Karate Dojo— led by Sensei Bill Viola Jr.— earned multiple world titles and emerged as the strongest team at the tournament.
The group’ s success was highlighted by 15-year-old Gabriella“ Gabby” Viola, who claimed nine gold medals, three silver, and two bronze, ranking first among more than 2,000 competitors worldwide. Her achievements earned her the titles of Overall Fighting Grand Champion and Most Decorated Athlete, solidifying her reputation as one of the top junior martial artists in the world.
Her teammates also delivered exceptional results. Cameron Klos secured eight gold medals and a bronze, while Xander Eddy earned eight gold medals and was named Overall Fighting Grand Champion. Carter Griffith claimed six gold medals and the Overall Kata Grand Champion title. Eight-year-old Will Viola earned a gold and silver in his first international appearance, and Riley Evans added a bronze to the team’ s impressive tally.
Remarkably, four of them— Gabby, Cameron, Xander and Carter— finished among the top 10 athletes of the entire competition.
Sensei Viola praised the team’ s discipline, humility, and heart, noting that Gabby and Xander also compete as members of the U. S. Army Fight Team. He also highlighted the team’ s culture of mentorship, crediting Cameron for coaching Carter to an undefeated run in kata, and celebrated the family legacy continuing with his son Will.
“ This group has put Pittsburgh on the map for kickboxing,” Viola said.“ They’ re inspiring the next generation of champions right here in Western Pennsylvania.”
2026 LUCKY NUMBER TICKETS AVAILABLE
The Sisters of Divine Providence announced the availability of 2026 Lucky Number tickets. The fundraiser is based on the Pick 3 Evening PA Lottery game.
Each $ 25 number is valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026— yours for the entire year! Daily winners receive a minimum of $ 25 up to $ 150 on select days throughout the year when their three-digit number is selected. Gift orders are available.
To participate in the 2026 Lucky Number fundraiser, visit cdpsisters. org / luckynumber or call 412.635.5401. It helps support the ministries and mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL BOB FRYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania is accepting applications for its 20th annual Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship($ 5,000) and the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania Scholarship($ 2,500)— both designed for outstanding undergraduate journalism students pursuing careers in print, broadcasting or multimedia.
Applicants must be sophomores or juniors enrolled in accredited colleges or universities with permanent residence in one of 29 Western Pennsylvania counties. Winners will be honored at the annual Golden Quills Awards Dinner in Pittsburgh, and scholarship funds will be applied directly to their school accounts.
The application deadline is Feb. 9, 2026, with recipients notified by April 15. Applications and details are available at westernpapressclub. org, or by contacting the press club at pressclubwpa @ gmail. com or 412.281.7778.
RED CROSS CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania issued an urgent call for volunteers as disaster response demands continue to grow.
With volunteers making up 90 % of its workforce, the organization is seeking help to respond to both local emergencies, like home fires, and largescale disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Key opportunities include serving on Disaster Action Teams to support families after local emergencies, working in local shelters, or traveling nationwide to assist after major disasters.
For more details, visit redcross. org / volunteer or send email to gparecruitment @ redcross. org. n
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