International Taekwon‑Do Federation

Story Report: 2nd NZ ITF International Taekwon‑Do Championships

On June 24, 2024, the 2nd NZ ITF International Taekwon‑Do Championships took place at the Hastings Sports Centre, drawing an impressive 230 competitors from various countries, including Australia, Nepal, and Malaysia. The event was a spectacular showcase of talent, discipline, and inclusivity, featuring participants from mainstream and special needs categories, ranging in age from 4 to 76 years old.

The championships included a variety of events such as Patterns, Team Patterns, Sparring, and the Special Technique event, which highlighted the Jumping Front Snap Kick. Competitors came from various parts of New Zealand, making the event a true national gathering. A key element of the event's success was the use of ISCORE for organizing divisions and scheduling. This efficient system was instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the competition, for which we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Anton Arkhipov for his unwavering support.

The championships were a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. Participants displayed remarkable skill and sportsmanship, making the day unforgettable for everyone present. The Hastings Sports Centre proved to be the best venue yet, impressing all attendees with its facilities and atmosphere.

Award Highlights

We celebrated 16 Trophy awards, including: - *Lila Evans*: Overall Child Female - *Hannah Senelle*: Overall Junior Female - *Gabriel Bartlet*: Overall Junior Male - *Kailin*: Most Positive Attitude Award - *Alex Menzies*: Overall Inclusive Youth Award - *Woodford School*: Youth Team Pattern Champions - *Irongate School*: Junior Team Pattern Champions - *Waikare Taekwon‑Do*: Children’s Team Patterns Champions - *Aidan McCance*: Great Spirit and Umpire Award - *Leti Hicks*: Great Spirit and Effort on Competition Day - *Zak Syed*: Inclusive Adults Male Champion - *Sapphire Jensen*: Inclusive Adult Female Champion - *NZ IITA Centre*: Overall Inclusive Winners - *Rupsing Tamang*: Longest Distance Traveled for Event Support and Competition - *Dezaiya Hoeta*: Best Junior Female Black Belt Pattern Performance

With 230 competitors at the Hastings Sports Centre, the event was a great success. Congratulations to Irongate School for winning the overall school award. The event not only highlighted the competitive spirit but also the sense of community and support within the Taekwon‑Do family. It was a day of remarkable achievements, camaraderie, and the celebration of martial arts. In conclusion, the 2nd NZ ITF International Taekwon‑Do Championships was a resounding success, thanks to the collective effort of organizers, volunteers, competitors, and supporters. The event showcased the true spirit of Taekwon‑Do and set a high standard for future championships.