Striking Post – June 2019

Striking Post June, 2019

 

Good day everyone,

      The 17th edition of the Yarmouth Karate Challenge Cup was held on Saturday June 1st. By all accounts it was another great success with 130 competitors representing 12 Dojos from across the province and a couple of athletes from New Brunswick. A big congratulations goes out to the Windsor Shito-ryu dojo who took the Cup for the 3rd straight year. Congratulations as well to all the competitors who took part. You are all winners.

     It takes a lot of manpower and volunteers to put on such an event. This year for various reasons we were down a few of our regular volunteers, so thank you to all those who stepped up to make this event happen. These include: the set up and tear down crews, registrations, organization, computer technicians, table people, marshallers, Coaches, parents, everyone who helped out in any way,  and all the crew at Mariners Center. Thank you as well to David Griffin who conducted the officials seminar and Ryan O`Neil who lead the kumite clinic. Also, thank you to the folks who participated in the demonstrations. They were very entertaining and were a crowd favorite once again. Lastly I want to thank our sponsors without whose support the Yarmouth Cup would certainly look a lot different.

     I am not sure at this point what changes may be in the works for next year. I thought this years tournament was very good from an organizational standpoint. We started pretty much on time and kept things running throughout the day finishing up at a respectable time. ( approx 5 pm ) I heard a few complaints about the Ninja competition. Apparently, due to the format used, no one knew who the winners were until they were announced. The kids liked it because they all got 4 matches each. I think next year we will try to have kobudo divisions so sharpen up your weapons katas.

     On another note, the KNS banquet was held at Rudders restaurant following the tournament. It was well attended with upwards of 75 people taking part. Many KNS members were honored for their accomplishments throughout the year. Many volunteers from the various dojos were also recognized. The big winners were Greg DaRos – KNS Volunteer of the year, Matt Sullivan – KNS Dojo Sensei and Official of the year. The coveted Michael S. Delaney award was presented to past president Gary Walsh for his many contributions over the last 6 years for the betterment of Karate in NS and Canada as well.

 

Milton Bourque

Chair/ Yarmouth Cup Organizing Committee