Huge cast vies in Smart taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,000 athletes are expected to see action in the 2010 Smart National Gym and Club taekwondo championships set Nov. 6-7 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“This is one of our biggest events because it will involve all affiliated gyms and clubs throughout Metro Manila and the provinces,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.

Competition will be conducted separately in six divisions under novice 1, novice 2 and advance. These are seniors and juniors for male and female competitors and grade school for boys and girls.

According to organizing committee chairman Sung Chon Hong, the event stresses PTA’s commitment for the development of the sport and, more importantly, serves as its support to the government’s grassroots program.

“In this tournament, our athletes will get the chance to show and demonstrate the skills and different techniques and styles they have learned so far,” said Hong.

Martial arts enthusiasts, especially children who are interested to learn taekwondo, are invited to watch the tournament sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, PLDT, Adidas and Milo.

Competition starts at 9 a.m.