Newsletter Newsletter 3/2006 Ireland President at ITF TKD Demonstration

The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese was the guest of honour at the launch of the newly refurbished state-of-the-art community centre in Ratoath, Co. Meath which has for many years been home to Ratoath Taekwon-Do Club.

Under the leadership of Mr. Stephen Cooley, V Dan the club has been a source of pride for the local community and has an existing membership of 148 students. The club was therefore invited to showcase ITF Taekwon-Do as part of the celebrations at the official launch on 9th September 2006.

The demonstration was held outdoors in beautiful sunny weather. There were over 3,000 people present who really enjoyed seeing a wonderful demonstration of ITF Taekwon-Do which included multiple aerial kicking techniques in a high-energy fast paced demonstration that lasted for 30 minutes. The demonstration featured all aspects of ITF Taekwon-Do including; Patterns, Sparring, Power Breaking and Special Technique.

Mr. Stephen Cooley in his speech thanked the local community for their support of Taekwon-Do in Ratoath and immediately following the demonstration the local ITF Taekwon-Do clubs; Ratoath Taekwon-Do Club and Mulhuddart Sport Taekwon-Do Club received over 100 applications from prospective members.

   
   

After the event the demonstration team were asked to sign autographs, pose for photographs and answer questions about the benefits and opportunities associated with ITF Taekwon-Do training by the spectators.

Also it was announced that ITF Taekwon-Do has been added to the curriculum in the Ratoath Community College , which is the main secondary school in Ratoath attended by 12-17 year olds. Students will have ITF Taekwon-Do lessons led by Mr. Stephen Cooley, V Dan as part of the Physical Education (PE) drive to increase participation in competitive sports by young people.

An article covering the event was published in the Meath Echo Newspaper on 11th September 2006. The photographs published are courtesy of the Meath Echo Newspaper.