Gathering in Fujairah
Approximately 150 taekwondo referees from all over the world arrived at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel last night and the opening ceremony and seminar got under way this morning (Friday 10 February 2012).
This event is being held under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.
Seminar Leadership
The Taekwondo Poomsae International Referees Seminar will run for four days (10-14 February 2012) under the leadership of Grand Master Kyung Chan Kim, a World Taekwondo Federation International Poomsae Referee Instructor and Vice Chairman of the WTF Poomsae Committee. Kim is regarded as something of a legend among the taekwondo community. The Grand Master is assisted by Dr. Jung-Heon Kim, Professor and Chair of the Department of Taekwondo at Korea’s Yongin University.
The Grand Master welcomed the delegates to the seminar and then they stood in groups, according to their taekwondo ranking and introduced themselves and the country that they represented.
Welcome to the UAE!
At the opening ceremony, Fakhruddin Abulmajid, Secretary of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association, welcomed guests to the UAE and wished them a successful seminar.
He also presented a gift to seminar leader, Grand Master Kyung Chan Kim from Mr. Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Marzouqi, President of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association.
Welcome to Fujairah!
Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Manager of Fujairah Boxing and Taekwondo, extended guests a special welcome to Fujairah and expressed the hope that they might not only have a successful training event but also get the time to enjoy the delights of this eastern emirate.
Practical Instruction
As the seminar got under way in one-third of the Concorde’s Layalina Ballroom, through the sliding doors in this spacious facility, the mats were being laid in preparation for the instructors to be able to give some practical training.
Dream Come True
Asked how he felt at seeing the Fujairah conference centre filled with taekwondo personnel from all over the world, Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari said:
“This is like a dream come true. For years I have had a dream of having the international taekwondo community seeing my emirate of Fujairah. It is a small thing having 150 taekwondo referees in my home emirate but this seminar is a start. The UAE is a central, accessible place for people coming from Europe, Asia or Africa and Fujairah is a wonderful and economical centre in which to hold conferences and championships. I hope there will be more and more events like this in Fujairah in the days to come.”
Making Contacts and Sharing Ideas
Eid Mesmari also said he was excited for his own players and coaches in the UAE for having the chance to meet many people from the Taekwondo community from all over the world. He added:
“This gives to them valuable contacts, significant friendships, important experience and the opportunity to learn from one another. It helps them to feel that they are part of something much bigger than their own club or federation.”
Paying Tribute
Mesmari paid tribute to the patron, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for extending the warm hospitality of this emirate to the international visitors and for his generosity that makes possible the holding of this event.
Take a Look
Some photos from the opening morning are posted in this photo album.
Further
International Taekwondo Referees Seminar Hosted in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 9 February 2012.
Palestinian Media Praise the Generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince, FIF, 7 February 2012.
Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 February 2012.
International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.
Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.
Geoff Pound
Keep in Touch With Fujairah
More Fujairah news, resources, information and photographs are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.
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