National event in Vernon taken down by COVID-19

Jan 5, 2021 | 5:22 PM

A sporting event that was to have brought hundreds of competitors from across Canada to Vernon this spring has been shut down due to COVID-19.

The 2021 Canadian National Taekwon-Do Championships were scheduled for Kal Tire Place April 24 and 25 with 600 participants and several hundred volunteers.

David White from Sundance Taekwon-Do in Vernon was the main local organizer, working with a national committee.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised. I’d really like to see the tournament happen at a future date, but ultimately the safety of the members is the number one priority,” White told Vernon Matters.

White said there was uncertainty over if the health restrictions would be lifted by then, and if participants would be willing to attend.

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“It got to the point where we could either go forward with the planning and have the event not turn out, or not happen at all. But I think it’s smart move to hold it, and we’ll try again in 2023.”

White said getting the event in two years is not guaranteed, but he says they will definitely be in the running for it.

There is no similar event planned for 2022 as the national selection event is normally held every two years.

“I hope that local athletes are able to find their way through Covid because it’s definitely tough for our sporting community to train properly and compete at a high level when were so restricted in what we can actually do. I wish all the best to all the athletes and coaches who are working toward keeping their sport and activities going,” White concluded.

by Pete McIntyre

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