Utican Tea Sijaric Representing the City of Utica, State of New York and TEAM USA at the Karate European Championship in Italy takes the Gold in the Team Division!

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri congratulates Tea Sijaric for placing first in her team division and winning the Gold, competing alongside three elite female fighters in the Team Saban Division and winning bronze in the Team Rotational Division.  Tea won a bronze medal in her individual competition.  There were 1852 athletes and 21 countries represented in this European championship organized by the World’s Karate Federation.

The tournament took place in Florence, Italy and Sijaric was the captain of the American team. Sijaric, 25, is a Croatian native and has lived in Utica since she was a 1-year-old. Currently, she’s a resident and instructor at School Dragon on Bleecker Street in Utica, a business owned by her father.

Mayor Palmieri said: “Tea is proof that if you work hard and remain focused, dreams can come true for you in Utica. The talent and the potential of our residents is unlimited. Her dedication and the example she sets as a role model is something we can all be very proud of.”