The 6th Oceania Championships were held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on Saturday 5th July 2014.
It has been the dream of Cook Islands ITF to host an Oceania Championships for many years. The idea turned into a reality when the Board of the Oceania TKD Federation (OTF) approved a proposal from the Cooks at their AGM in 2012. Venues were booked and plans put in place to host the event in the July school holidays of 2014. Counties Manukau donated and shipped a set of mats for the tournament, which will be gratefully used for other events in years to come.
Master Michael Daher kicked off the event with a Master Class attended by around 60 enthusiastic members from the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia and Russia. The class covered sparring drills that students were able to put into practice the following day, as well as some fun ground techniques.
The 6th OTF Champs got underway with a Cook Islands traditional opening ceremony with the CI Minister of Sport our special guest. The competition itself had 82 competitors from four countries and included individual Patterns, Sparring, Special Techniques and Power Breaking, as well as Team Patterns.
Immediately following the tournament the visiting competitors were treated to a bus tour around Rarotonga and on their return were witness to a complete transformation of the tournament venue for the presentations and dinner function. Official speeches followed, along with Best Over-All Belt presentations, cultural entertainment and an amazing fully catered meal for all – free of charge. This was totally fundraised by the club members of the Cook Islands and capped off a fantastic event.
Thanks to all members of Cook Islands ITF for hosting the event, in particular all the committee members who did so much to make it happen. And to the organiser Mrs Natasha Iotua…. once again THANK YOU for making this happen!
