McKay happy after combined martial arts team call-up

CALABAR High fighter Tye McKay is celebrating his call-up to the Jamaica combined martial arts all-high school male team's summer camp after missing back-to-back international tournaments due to external examinations.

McKay, a member of Calabar's all-conquering team, which has dominated the Jamaica Taekwon-Do High School Martial Arts League, was not considered for the June 29-July 2 International Sports Karate Association United States Open and had also missed last October's International Taekwon-Do Federation World Cup in Hungary.

"I am really happy to be back after missing two big tournaments, but school comes first," McKay told STAR Sports.

"I am sure I will catch up with the rest of guys in training to book my spot to New York," he added.

The all-high school male team summer camp is being staged to prepare junior combined martial arts team members for international tournaments in September - the International Sports Karate Association New York Open and the International Taekwon-Do Federation New York Open.

McKay and Tyrique Tai-Loy are expected to join their Calabar teammates, Daniel Azan, Lammari Johnson and Gabe Riley, who won five medals at the United States Open in Orlando, Florida.

St George's College's Ryan Johnson, who won US Open gold in the 14-15 intermediate and beginners division, and Duncan Smith, silver medallist in 16-17 black belt, are also expected to be in the squad.