The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize ten year old Eric Sorkin as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Ben Porat Yosef fifth grader trains in taekwondo at Chon Ji Academy on Cedar Lane and has been a student there for nearly two years. He is currently studying for his purple belt and has been enjoying his progress through the ranks. He loves practicing his kicks, breaking boards and sparring with his fellow students. Eric’s mother Karen Sorkin told The JLNJ “Taekwondo has made a big difference in Eric’s confidence in school and it’s helped his discipline and focus with homework and to always do his best. It’s been exciting as his mom to see him grow and mature, and I believe that taekwondo has helped him along in a great way.”
Eli, yasher koach on this honor and your continued progress moving up the ranks at taekwondo, who is your role model and why?
My role model is Eli Manning. He never speaks badly about his teammates or his coach. He has a positive attitude. I like that he helps kids with cancer and wants to “tackle kids cancer.”
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is actually football, but I love taekwondo, which I study at Chon Ji Academy on Cedar Lane.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was getting 21 points in a football game.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Odell Beckham, Jr. I think he is one of the best receivers right now in the NFL. He’s also exciting to watch.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
In taekwondo, we do a lot of warming up by practicing different kicks and punches and then racing other students on the mat. We race doing bear crawls, crab walks and frog jumps.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My earliest sports memory is getting my white belt when I first started taekwondo.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports, I like reading, playing games on my Xbox and playing with my dog, Bagel.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a sports star is that taekwondo has helped me persevere more, become confident in school and be disciplined with my homework. I’ve also gotten stronger.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
