Taekwon-do team wins big in New York and Lethbridge

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Serena Apsassin struck gold first for the club in 12-13 Blue Belt Patterns. She also took the silver in her sparring category. Her sister Olivia Apsassin was also in attendance but wasn’t able to reach the podium despite an excellent effort.

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Following up on that success was Shelby Richard who also took home a gold in patterns in the 15-16 year old blue belt category. She was also able to secure a bronze in the sparring contest. Her younger sister Shiloh Richard took home bronze in both her patterns and sparring categories for ages eight to nine green belts.

Mother Julie Richard also saw action and was successful as she took home a gold in yellow belt patterns and a bronze in Women’s colour belt sparring.

“This tournament was a great opportunity to gain international experience for some of our most dedicated members leading into next year’s World Cup in Slovenia. The New York ITF Tournament is known as one of the highest level international tournaments held annually in North America. We look forward to going back in the future to gain even more experience,” Head Coach David White said.

The New York tournament wasn’t all the Sundance team was up to over the last couple of weeks. They also sent a team of six competitors to the 2019 Alberta Cup Championships in Lethbridge on October 5.

The team of six brought home 10 medals in a field of 260 competitors from across Western Canada. The total medal count was four gold, three silver and two bronze.

The Apsassin sisters were back for their second tournament in as many weeks with Olivia taking the gold in both her patterns and sparring categories at blue belt. She was able to take the patterns victory over her older sister Serena after they met in the finals with Serena finishing with the silver.

Team Canada member Brianna Li was back in competition for the first time since the World Championships this spring in Germany. She didn’t miss a beat as she was able to fight her way to the top of the podium in Junior Girls Black Belt Heavyweight Sparring. She also took home a silver in junior girls power breaking.

Also representing Vernon at the competition were brother and sister Wyatt and Charlotte Johnson. Charlotte took home a gold medal in ages four to six patterns and a bronze in modified sparring. Her older brother Wyatt was also able to secure a bronze in his sparring category.

Rounding out the group was Tiava Ritchie who was also on the podium with a silver in green belt girls sparring and a bronze in patterns.

“It’s great to see our group represent our community with such passion for their martial art and sport. The sportsmanship and work ethic shown by our athletes is truly inspiring,” White said.

Up next for Sundance Taekwon-Do and its members is the Canadian Nationals this November in Regina.

All the competitions over the next 18 months lead up to the 2021 Canadian National Championships and Selections which will be held at Kal Tire Place in Vernon in April 2021.

Those who would like more information about Taekwon-Do in Vernon can go to www.sundancemartialarts.com or call 250-306-2285.