As a sport, taekwon-do was introduced in Ukraine nearly fifteen years ago, since that time it has been rapidly developing. It was also the time when ITF-Ukraine was established. At present the Federation is among the most advanced and prosperous martial arts federations in Ukraine and consists of 3.000 members. Championships, attestations and seminars are held in Ukraine on a regular basis. Ukrainian competitors often take part in European and world championships and international tournaments.

One of the leading taekwon-do clubs in Ukraine is in Ivano-Frankivsk (West Ukraine’s town with 300 000 residents, situated 180 kilometers from the Polish border). Currently here train about five hundred athlets. Oleg Solovey, ITF-Ukraine’s vice president, is the senior coach in Ivano-Frankivsk. With his wife, Katya Solovey, he had been in Italy during 2001 and 2002 where they both learned the taekwon-do secrets from Master Willem Jacob Bos (8th Dan).

Katya Solovey was the winner of Italy Open 2003, Viking Cup 2004 and World Cup 2004 in Orlando (weight category under 52 kg). Among other trophies in junior age were those of Tokareva Dzvina in Tampere, Finland (53 kg) and Tetyana Voytovych (58 kg). They may later eventually became absolute champion of Europe.

In Tampere, Finland, Ukraine’s junior national team won the second place.

 

Oleg Solovey participated in the international seminar conducted by ITF President, Master Trân Triêu Quân in Lublin, Poland. Oleg and Katya Solovey have been preparing for a week to the World Cup in Lubartow, Poland with Mr. Jerzy Jedut.

The ITF-Ukraine plans to take part in the European Championship in Italy and World Championship in Germany.

Oleg Solovey