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Dear Grand Masters, Masters, Instructors and competitors!

With disappointment I received the news that the planned European Championships in Ukraine was cancelled. However this is also a part of life and to fast find a new host for the event was the most important thing for the whole ITF community. The board of the Swedish TKD Federation ITF analyzed the whole situation and made the decision to take the responsibility as an AETF member and apply to host the event. We took into consideration the facts that Skövde TKD Club and Swedish TKD Federation ITF have a very long experience of organizing different competitions, seminars and training camps which would help a lot to prepare a high quality championship in such a short time.

During the AETF’s Board Members Meeting which was held on the 4th of October 2012 in Brighton, England the board decided to accept the Swedish bid to organize the 28th senior and 19th junior European Taekwon-Do Championships in 2013 which will be held between the 3rd - 5th of May 2013 in Skövde, Sweden.

Of course we are very happy about this decision but also understand that it’s a very big responsibility for us and as organizer we will do everything to make the championships as good as possible. We are also very aware of that this mission is very difficult because of the short time for preparations of the event. Because of this I really, really hope for close contact and cooperation between the organizing committee and the leaders and coaches of AETF’s member countries which would help us a lot to prepare a high-level championship.

The Euros 2013 will be the first championships with the new tournament rules which means for example new and more weight classes and more competitors for the countries in each category. All this is of course very exciting but this also make it very difficult for us to estimate how many competitors will take part in competition. All of you who have arranged competitions know that this is the most important information for the organizer. With all economic crises in the world and the fact that only a few months after European Championships is also time for the World Championships in Spain we understand that the economic situation for each country can make it difficult to take part in all competitions this year.

Because of this I kindly ask all country leaders and national coaches to send me some brief information about the approximate number of the competitors from each country who probably will take part in the Euros 2013. Of course this is not binding information and you can change your mind in the future. Please help us and inform about this as soon you can by e-mail to: info@itfsweden.com.

Thanks a lot for the help in advance.

The official information about Euros 2013 will be published in January/February next year but here are some facts for you ready right now:

PLACE OF THE EVENT

The European Championships 2013 will be held in the town Skövde.

The nearest airport is in Gothenburg which is situated about 150 km from Skövde. Therefore the best way of travel is to first fly to Gothenburg and from there take the bus or train which travels directly to Skövde. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour.

SPORT HALL

European Championships 2013 will be arranged in the sports hall “Arena Skövde” which is situated in the center of the town. In the same hall European Championships 2010 and 12 editions of the competition Viking Cup International were arranged. In connection to the hall is also another hall where a warm up area for the competitors will be prepared. There are many changing rooms in Arena Skövde and in some of them are also a sauna and a massage bench. In connection to the hall are also: restaurants, coffee shops, sport gym and a big Aqua Park.

In the competition hall is also a special VIP-longue. This area is situated separately, high up above the stands. The lounge will be used for drinks and food for both VIP’s and umpires who can take a rest in this quiet and comfortable area any time they wish.

EQUIPMENT-MATS

During the European Championships 2013 we will use our own mats. These mats are of very high quality and 100% NOT SLIPPERY.

ACCOMODATION

All competitors will be accommodated in hotels of good standard. Most of the hotels are very close to the sports hall. Although there are walking distances to the arena we will offer transport between the hotels and the arena. All participants in the European Championships 2013 will be served a warm lunch during the competition days in connection to the sports hall. Vegetarian alternative meals will also be available if those who wish.

MEDICAL TEAM

To make the medical assistance during the European Championships 2013 in Sweden as good as possible we will have on duty a very skilled and experienced medical team with 4 doctors and 2 nurses with different specialists.

SUPPORTING

European Championships 2013 is FULLY support by Swedish Ministry of Sports and the government of the town Skövde.

COMING SOON

December 2012: The official website of the European Championships 2013 will be opened
         January/February 2013: The official invitation will be published.

See even Euros 2013 spot:

http://www.itfsverige.se/em_2013/em_2013_pre.wmv or
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=332838200147840

Best regards
Master Swavek Dydiszko
Head of the Organizing Committee Euros 2013