An update from the Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival 2023.
Three British Taekwondo Officials have been a part of the Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival 2023.
Three British Taekwondo Officials have been a part of the Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival 2023.
Grand Master Ton Wan Shin, Grand Master David Bailey and Master Carolina Barros Clark have been officials at the first ever Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival in Korea.
1st World Taekwondo Demonstration Team Championships
- GM Ton Wan Shin
- GM David Bailey
4th World Taekwondo Beach Championships
- Master Carolina Barros Clark
The trio are the only British Taekwondo IRs at the event.
Master Carolina Barros Clark is also the Education & Progression Manager of British Taekwondo’s Poomsae Referee Department and said “The presence of three British referees at the Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival 2023 showcased the talent and professionalism of the British Taekwondo officiating community.
Caolina added “The dedication of our officials to fair play, extensive knowledge of the sport, and ability to make split-second decisions contributed to the event’s overall success. The British referees’ representation at this prestigious festival brought honour to Great Britain and highlighted the global unity and excellence of the Taekwondo community.”
Grand Master David Bailey of Central Taekwondo Academy said “We completed a full day’s referee training on day 1 (the 17th August) and the competition began on the 18th. Both the World Beach Championships and the World Demo Team Championships are being staged outside. The venues are incredible and are spread across a whole town of sporting facilities.”
David added “It has been over 35° during the afternoon, so the competition had to be suspended due to the extreme heat. That meant the games took place in the evening instead. It was a brilliant atmosphere under the floodlights!”
David continued “It is the first time a demonstration world championships has been staged and the standard of the teams has been immense. The team from the Korea National Sports University were crowned World Champions in the performance category, with some spectacular breaking, self-defence and group techniques on show. Teams from Italy and Vietnam were also amongst the medals. World Taekwondo are keen to promote this particular competition, as it is a really dynamic and exciting spectator event.”
The Opening Ceremony was held in the main sports stadium on the 19th August, and Grand Master Bailey was asked by the Organising Committee to give the Referee Oath on behalf of all the IRs in attendance.
David commented “It has been an excellent experience so far and we are looking forward to the remaining days of competition.”
About the Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival 2023.
The first ever Gangwon·Chuncheon World Taekwondo Cultural Festival was held from the 18th to the 24th August and featured 15,000 athletes, officials and tourists from around 60 nations taking part across four premier events celebrating the best of Taekwondo.
The festival included: the World Taekwondo Octagon Diamond Game, the 4th World Taekwondo Beach Games, the 1st World Taekwondo Demonstration Team Championships and the World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge.
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