Sat 17th May saw the eagerly anticipated UK Finals night. With the top competitors from all over the UK coming together to achieve the title of UK Champion!
With many months of planning & preparation the day had finally arrived. Members of the Tournament & Umpire committee along with Master Nicholls & Master Rauli & many other helpers arrived early in Swindon on the morning of the 17th May to set up the hall & prepare for what was to be a very spectacular day.
At 11am the doors were opened & competitors along with their supporters started to enter the hall. It was clear that everyone was pleasantly surprised & excited by the set up of the room. The centre ring was the main focal point with the spot lights highlighting what was to be the focus for the whole of the afternoon & evening. Pumping music along with a big screen inspiring slide show of Taekwon-do photos & quotes all adding to the atmosphere.
The competition started promptly at 12noon with the traditional Umpire meeting & then it was quickly into the first of the many preliminary rounds. It was not an understatement to say that every competitor regardless of age, grade & experience really rose to the occasion & gave it their all.
At around 3pm the first of the finals took place. Once again a superb display was put on which set the level for the rest of the evening.
5.30pm saw a short interlude in the finals to view a display by our guests from the TAGB ‘The Edmunds sisters’. It was a real spectacle to see how talented & flexible the girls were as they kicked & flipped along to the up tempo music.
Once the demonstration had concluded the finals swiftly recommenced with the adult categories. Continuing the theme from the start of the day every competitors name was announced as they entranced through curtains to pumping music & great cheers from the crowd. UK Champions along with the runners up were then presented with their awards after each category by Master Nicholls.
As the evening & the final few categories came to an end Development committee Chair Master Rauli gave a closing speech to what had been a truly groundbreaking & monumental day.
The Tournament committee would like to thank all that may the day possible with special thanks going to the Tournament & Umpire committee, Master Nicholls, Master Wood, Master Rauli & Master Horan.
Much appreciation goes to all the umpires, competitors & spectators that travelled from near & far to support the event.
We would like to congratulate our new UK Champions & wish them luck if they have subsequently been selected to be part of Team UK for the forthcoming ITF World Championships.
To view the full results please visit www.tkd.co.uk/articles.asp?arturn=3840
