Report from Constanta [April, 20th 2006]

I have to give many thanks to Mr. Marius Oltean, President of the Romanian Taekwon-do Federation ITF and the Organization Committee for Euros 2006 for their hospitality and availability, during my visit in Romania on 15th-16th April 2006.

The "Hotel Doina" is a big building by the Black Sea, in my opinion perfect for competitors. It has, more or less, 400 rooms (800 people), a big restaurant where we can also do the "party" at the end of championship. At the moments of my visit, in the hotel still are working (painting, cleaning and so on) to be ready at 1st of May, date of starting season. They assured me will be ready!

The distance from the hotel and the Sports Hall it�s more or less 15 minutes by bus, so we need the transportation for all competitors. The Organizing Committee will arrange all busses needed. The Hotel �Doina� is situated in a beautiful side of Costanta, where there are many pubs, restaurants, markets and also the Fun Park. My impression it's very positive.

The stadium it�s great! Perfect for our tournament, not too big, not too small, with all we need. We can make five (5) rings easily. I asked, if it's possible to have a podium for the central ring (not too high, 50 cm. it�s enough). The Committee will try to arrange it.

From the floor and the tribune there are two (2) m., nobody can come down from the tribune without permission. For the competitors, there will be small stairs to put whereever we want, from the tribune directly to the floor. So to the floor can go only competing person! When you�ll see the picture, I think to put the main table on the right under the blue chairs, only there side we have the microphone. The blue chairs on the right side will be for VIP, in my idea, and the white chairs in four (4) corner will be for the competitors. The rest for the spectators.

This sports hall it�s able for 2000 seat. Over the tribune, there are big corridor all around useable like worming up area. There are five (5) changing rooms under the tribune, there are also the V.I.P. room and an office with internet connection. Under the tribune there is a room useable like �umpire room�, it�s not so big but enough for the referees. Mr. Oltean make me sure, toll me that program it�s working, they used during the last national championship.

The "Ibis Hotel� in Costanta it�s a first class hotel by the Black Sea, at 200 m. from the Sports Hall. All the referees can walk to the stadium!

The view on the sea it�s marvellous, like you�ll see in the pictures! There is a big �meeting room�, where we can have the Umpire meeting and the A.E.T.F. Congress. There are many facilities: restaurant, fitness centre, bowling, sauna, bar, small casino, and many others. In the end the rooms are very comfortable.

After my visit, my feeling it�s very positive. Will have a great Championship in Costanta!