Chicks that Kick To TKO Toronto


Fans should come expecting some great action at the event
Chicks that Kick (CTK) is unlike any other sporting event to hit Toronto. Showcasing an all female Thai boxing card, CTK has already proven that women can kick serious butt after an amazing sell-out crowd of over 750 people in 2005. They are back again on September 30, 2007 with some talented amateur female Thai boxers. Chicks that Kick 2007 will be hosted by Gemini nominated Comedic Actor Carlos Diaz.

Chicks that Kick is an all-female Thai boxing collective formed by Toronto locals Lucy O’Neill, Sofia Ramirez, and Sarah Thompson. Melissa Misiuda joined the team as the CTK bout coordinator. The women met almost four years ago in a Muay Thai class and saw a need to create more opportunities for women in the sport. It was at this point that the idea for Chicks that Kick was realized. The Chicks wanted to make the sport more accessible to women and give them their shot at competing in Canada.

Fans should come expecting some great action at the event. Thai boxing is the national sport of Thailand and was the origination of kickboxing and some of the technique seen in the rings of UFC and MMA. Although the art has an exceptional physical component, Thai Boxing also focuses strongly on the athletes mind and spirit. Its roots are in Buddhism, which influence the training techniques and the ’Wai Kru’, the pre-fight spiritual ceremony in the ring.

The first event in 2005 at the former York Event Theatre had a sell-out crowd and raised almost 15,000 dollars for SickKids Foundation. They ended up referring over 200 women to gyms in Ontario and across Canada. While they won’t admit it, Chicks that Kick, raised the profile of Thai boxing in Canada and helped increase its popularity for gyms across the country.

This year, the team is supporting Yellow Brick House, a women’s shelter in North Toronto. The cause for 2007 was chosen last year after hearing the heartbreaking stories of the abuse of women and children. Yellow Brick House is an emergency shelter that provides outreach services to women and their children. Yellow Brick House provides eight separate and distinct programs to over 3,000 women and children annually.

The event takes Thai boxing from the gyms and puts it into a more formal venue at the Eglinton Grand (Eglinton and Avenue Road). The former movie theatre provides an amazing atmosphere for the action that will occur in the ring.

Sanctioned by Kickboxing Ontario with the support of CASK, Chicks that Kick provides a safe environment for women to compete. CASK provides essential programs and services for members, as well as providing national leadership to amateur kickboxing, fitness kickboxing, and the martial arts industry.

Bring your wallets! This event is for charity and will feature an amazing silent auction from the friends of Chicks that Kick and the very popular Chicks tees will be available on site for purchase. Alcohol will be served (bring your ID) and a sampler of Thai food will be provided. If you are interested in VIP seating it is recommended to get your tickets quickly at www.ticketbreak.com or www.chicksthatkick.com. VIP seating is $50 (VIP tickets sold out.)- General Admission seating is $35.

The event is proudly sponsored by Mansfield Communications, Rue Morgue, Harmony Printing, Panic and Bob, AXYZ, Crush, School Editing, Hype1 and Blackline Line Studio.

If you are interested in donating to the silent auction please email chicks@chicksthatkick.com

For more info on the venue and events, please visit www.chicksthatkick.com