Victorian Challenge 2011

On the 31st of July, Il Shim Melbourne hosted its inaugural Victorian Challenge. With over 50 competitors from the East Coast of Australia, the event saw a broad range of competitors and delivered a very high quality competition.

This tournament was one of many to come as we edge closer to regaining our position in the world rankings. I remember participating in tournaments similar to this one many years ago, with the resurgence of ITF Australia after such along time as we have regrouped with the introduction of long standing members stepping into a more senior role. I believe we are now stronger and alot wiser when it comes to putting on such events. ITF Australia under the guidance of our Master Daher and a collage of high ranking members that have an abundance of knowledge and experience, is just the recipe to create such a winning team.

We saw some very talented students battle their way towards recognition, with the main team selectors on hand to watch. The selectors were impressed with what they saw, which only increased their passion to achieve such greatness with these upcoming competitors. An outstanding effort was by one female competitor, Leonie Therrien-Tremblay (1^st degree), who asked to be moved to the male black senior middle weight sparring division, where she achieved 1^st place against some fierce competitors.  This was truly an outstanding effort as she battled her way against the odds. All events ran relatively smooth, with the tournament wrapping up by 2pm.

I would like to thank Master Daher for his support in running the event, and Mr Abdallah for his tireless efforts behind the scenes. We were very lucky to have Australia’s most experienced referees in Mr Steve Weston and Mr Gerard Kelly to help us officiate the event. IL Shim Melbourne supported the event on the day with great thanks to Mr John Dwight, Mr Mitchell Sammut, Mr Charles Sammut, Ms Sunny Fenwick and Mr Ron Phillips. Also many thanks to all those that assisted on the day.

We would also like to thank the competitors that supported the event in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do:-

Special thanks to Michelle Sliwinski for assisting with first aid duties on the day and Jenifer de Viana on the computer running the events. Last but not least special thanks to Michelle Harper who spent many late nights preparing for this tournament, it wouldn’t have happened without you!

Check out the photos here

We look forward to giving you all an even better event in 2012!

Yours in Taekwon-Do,

Paul Harper

V Dan