Hundreds of taekwondo enthusiasts from around the country and overseas will converge on the Great Lakes this month for the annual State Development Championships.
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Now in its 11th year, organiser, Fay Shacklock is expecting at least 70 locals to join the both able-body and para competitors who will range is age from four to 50 years, and include novices to Commonwealth Games champions.
The event, reputed to be the best development championship in the State, will be held on May 27 at the Great Lakes College, Tuncurry campus multipurpose hall.
Joining the expected 160 competitors will be Master Kesi O’Neill, the Samoan Olympic and New Zealand world championship coach, who will bring a team of 10 from his Tauranga home along with Australian Taekwondo president, Master Hassan Haskander.
“I am honoured they will join us,” Fay said.
“I absolutely love the championships because my students love the competition, and my philosophy is if a student trains they have to show their worth.”
Fay didn’t believe there were many sporting events in the Great Lakes which attracted the level of international interest and competition that the State Development Championships did.
“When I first came to Forster 13 years ago I felt a need for a competition that catered for all levels.
Fay’s belief is that: “you can only be as good as your teacher.”
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
