Kinross kick boxer and karate expert Colin Ritchie just failed to make the semi-finals at the 2002 World championship events. Already twice bronze medallist at World Kick Boxing Championships, Colin (27), a fitness instructor at the Windlestrae Hotel's leisure club, competed against the best kick boxers in the world in Tuscany, Italy, in August 2002. Two months later he tackled the World Karate Championships in Birmingham, again just failing to get a medal. Silver medallist at the 2001 European championships, Colin made a great start to his 2002 preparations by finishing in the top three at the British Kick Boxing Championships in March and in April by winning the Scottish title. As a resident of Kinross with a population of only a few thousand it says a lot for Colin that since he was 7 years old he has trained to attain his current world class performance. Colin again won the 2003 Scottish Kick boxing title despite fracturing his thumb in an earlier bout.

Alphavet Veterinary Centre is delighted to have the opportunity to be one of Colin's first sponsors.

Alphavet is also proud to have sponsored:

• Kinross High School Netball Team.
• Glenrothes Amateur Swimming Club.
• The Scottish Equine Vaulting team of 1998.