Brighton 2016 ITF World Championships
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The UK ITF Coaching Committee would like to congratulate Grand
Master Nicholls, the UK ITF Head Office and the UK ITF Organising Committee on
the outstanding success of the 2016 ITF World Championships in Brighton. This was a truly wonderful event and has set
an extremely high standard to which all future World Championships should
aspire to attain.
As always the tournament would not be possible without the
dedication of the Umpires and Event Staff who worked extremely hard throughout
the whole week, keeping to a hectic schedule, and we give them a whole hearted and
warm thank you. Further, a huge thanks goes
to Grand Master Galarraga, supported by Masters Maidana and Prerez, for
presiding over the event with their expertise, experience and wisdom.
We would also like to extend our thanks to all the Coaches
from various clubs who participated in the ITF World Championships whose
support for the UK ITF Competitors of TeamUK was invaluable.
July 25th 2016 saw Competitors (approx. 600),
Coaches, Umpires, spectators and supporters from 45 countries arrive in the
Brighton area for the 2016 ITF World Championships. With hotels located near the venue, The
Brighton Centre, many friends old and new re-acquainted themselves helping to
promote a friendly and “family” atmosphere from day one.
The 26th saw the start of the formalities of the
competition beginning with registration and weigh in for all competitors and
various meetings for Umpires and Coaches with the all-important draw taking
place that evening. The rest of the evening
consisted of the Tournament Opening Ceremony, an extravaganza consisting of
street dancing, a brilliant gymnastics display and music. At the conclusion we all broke off to rest
for the competition proper the following day.
The 27th saw the competition commence with Tul
across 6 six rings with some truly awesome performances and new World Champions
for TeamUK made on the day continuing with sparring destruction and special
technique throughout the next three days of intensive competition. TeamUK were the first country to take Gold on
the morning of the first day and celebrate our first World Champion of the
tournament. Many more were to follow with
a total of 25 World Champions, 13 Silver Medals and 28 Bronze in those three
days.
The World Open Championships took place on the 30th,
with 9 rings running at one stage. Another
superb day with 600 competitor of all ages and grades taking part, many just starting
their competition career and gaining valuable experience in such a wonderful
atmosphere. This day also saw the first
demonstration and short competition of the Special Needs Taekwon-Do which was
inspiring to watch.
The last day of competition consisted of a number of finals
and the Team Events. A superb conclusion
to the week’s events creating yet more World Champions and Team Champions. The final
tally was 31 Gold, 18 Silver and 32 Bronze, plus the Best Overall Male Senior
award, the Best Overall Male Team award and the Best Overall Male.
With the conclusion of the competition and final speeches
the baton was handed over to Grand Master Galarraga and his team for the organisation
of the next ITF World Championship in Argentina 2018. We look forward to the event and hope TeamUK
can exceed expectations once again at yet another ITF World Championships. Written by: On behalf of the UKITF Coaching Committee - 16th August 2016
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