Newsletter Newsletter 2/2007 Mr. Harry van Schaik visited Polish Championships

   

Mr. Harry van Schaik of the ITF Netherlands was asked to referee the 20th Senior Polish Championships on an invitation of Mr. Z. Bujak, the organizer of this event. After many years of National, European and World Championships it was an honour for Harry to participate in one of the best Championships in the World.

On Saturday June 16th, 2007, after a trip by plane and car, Harry arrived in Biala Podlaska (East-Poland).

In the evening there were 7 finales planned under auspices of the Ministry of Sport, Major of the city Biala Podlaska and the local television. The hall was really warm and this had its effect on everybody. The atmosphere was brought up with music, self-defence exhibitions of the team of Mrs. and Mr. Pawlik - PTA Vice-President.

It is good to tell about the system of qualification to the Polish Championship. Only the best 8 fighters in each division from Polish Cup A and 6 best fighters from Polish Cup B could qualify for this event. The standard was therefore very good.

   

The next day the senior teams male and female were present to fight on club level. A lot of international well known fighters of the Polish National Team now were fighting against each other. In a very sportive atmosphere the club "Lewart" Lubartow of Mr. J. Jedut won with the senior males and females team sparring and finally was the best club of the Championships.

After the competition Harry left straight to Lublin to prepare for a meeting the next day at the AETF headquarters.

On Monday June 18th, there was a meeting with the President of the AETF, Mr. Loboda, the AETF Secretary General - Mr. Jedut and members of the AETF staff. Many subjects in competition and development in Taekwon-Do were discussed and ideas were dropped and taken in consideration. It was a good start of maybe more developments in the future.

   

I'd like to compliment the AETF in Poland with the very professional way of running the AETF organisation. The open, professional, warm and well structured way of running the organisation is an example for many. Taekwon!

At last I'd like to thank many people for my pleasant stay in Poland but especially Mr. and Mrs. Bujak, Mr. Loboda, Mr. Jedut and the whole staff of the AETF HQ. You made my stay very comfortable.

Harry van Schaik
Referee ITF Netherlands
www.harryvanschaik.nl