The weekend started with all competitors from England ITF meeting at Luton airport and I must say that the excitement and atmosphere from the 3 girls was amazing to see. As we boarded the aeroplane we knew that it was time to start thinking about the task ahead and that an early night would be the way forward! We were greeted at the airport by Mr Olaf Braemer VI Dan who gave us a lift to the hotel.
When we got there we had to check in electronically, this was not a problem. However the computer had crashed, no staff on reception and no room numbers allocated, did I mention that early night? Anyway after an hour of messing around a lady from the night staff came along and sorted us out and gave us our room numbers and all was well. We then found some refreshments so we could get a well earned drink break. It was now about 1am so we decided to get that early night!!!!
We woke in the morning, had breakfast and were then picked up at 8.15 to head off to the sports centre where the competition was being held. We had an officials meeting first thing which went ok due to the language barrier, the competition had 262 competitors from across Europe as well as Germany. The black belts on first so the tournament could run smoothly with them helping out with officiating after they had competed. The 3 girls came up against Holland and the Czech players sparring well and gaining experience every second. We managed to take Gold in junior team sparring, Gold in junior team Patterns, 3 bronzes & 2 silvers in individual events. We felt they had done a great job.
We left the centre at 9pm after D.Bonfield, G.Horan & A.Donnelly helping out with the officiating and went to the nearest Chinese restaurant. After the well earned meal it was soon time to get back the hotel and think about the trip home in the morning.
As secretary of the UTA a partner within England ITF I would like to say a big well done to the competitors and to Glenn Horan for organising the flights etc. Also thank you to Olaf and his team for making us feel so welcome in his country.
D.Bonfield
IV Dan UTA/England ITF. Written by: D.Bonfield - 1st December 2009
[Comments: 1] Sorry, but you need to login to your account to add feedback. Login now, or if you are not a member then apply to join here Article Feedback: Mark Skyrme ( UK ITF)
: 26th March 2010, 11:38
Well done guys! | 
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