Newsletter 2/2007 Viking Cup International 2007
Newsletter 2/2007 Viking Cup International 2007
In the 31st of March and 1st of April in Skövde, Sweden the 8th edition of Viking Cup International was held. This years competition was bigger than ever with over 400 competitors from 58 clubs/organizations which represented 17 countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. There were also a delegation from Latvia attending the competition as observers.
The Viking Cup tournament is in three divisions: beginners, medium advanced and advanced. Advances division is also divided in seniors and juniors. All matches in sparring are performed in pool or requalification system and this made that there was an impressive number of 805 matches during the whole competition.
Friday
During Friday there were registration and weight-in for all competitors. Many nervous faces were crowded in the hallway waiting for their turn to step up on the scale. After the weight-in the competitors gathered and talked about what happened since they last saw each other. As the competition started early on Saturday all competitors went to sleep early.
Saturday and Sunday
The competition began with matches in pattern. The groups for black belts were really big, there were for example 40 competitors in pattern for seniors 1 Degree both male and female separately. No less than 279 matches in pattern were carried out during Saturday.
The sparring event was more powerful and spectacular than ever. Everyone was eager to present their highest potential as many countries used the Viking Cup as a final try out for the European Championships. Almost all competitors in the advanced division managed to present great skills and didn’t hesitate to show their potential before the upcoming European Championship.
A computerized system for judging was used on all four rings. It was much appreciated by both the umpires and the competitors as it made the competition fast and smooth. All together 526 matches in sparring were carried out.
It was very high standard in the advanced division and this both for juniors as seniors. Between many famous competitors who have a lot of experience was also many new faces who fought in a very good style without too much respect. In spite of the fact that many fights was quite tough there were not any serious injuries. That’s a proof of the competitors skilfulness and good work of all umpires.
The main trophy of the competition, over 1 meter tall “Viking Cup”, was finally handed to Mr. Tadeusz Loboda who represented the Polish National Team which was crowned as the best participating club/organization with not less than 14 gold medals.
Besides the sports part of the competition it was also something else which was great during these days in Sweden, there was a really fantastic atmosphere between all participants. A very good attitude and respect for each other made me proud to be a part of these people, to be a part of Taekwon-Do with the true “Do”.
Thanks to everybody for the fantastic days this year and welcome back to Sweden next year.
Complete results and more photos are available on: www.vikingcup.just.nu.
You can also see over 1000 photos from the event at:
Yours in Taekwon-Do
Swavek Dydiszko, 6 Degree
Head of Organizing Committee
