National Poomsae Competition to take place this Sunday

About 1,500 athletes from 12 regions, including ARMM, CAR, Caraga and the NCR are expected to see action in the Petron-Smart National Poomsae Taekwondo Championships on July 27 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

According to Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert N. Aventajado, poomsae, aside from its competitive sparring format, is becoming more popular in the global taekwondo community because it has been integrated in the sport.

Organizing committee chair Sung Chon Hong says competition will be conducted in three events namely, individual standard, team standard and team freestyle synchronized poomsae.

Age classifications are 13 years old and below (children), 14 to 17 (juniors) and 18 and above (seniors).

The tournament, which kicks off at 9 a.m. is sponsored by SMART Communications, PLDT, Petron, Philippine Sports Commission, Milo and Adidas.

Among the chapters vying for honors: Powerflex, Ateneo, La Salle Greenhills, Don Bosco Makati, University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, International School, San Sebastian College Manila, and regional chapters such as Baguio, Manila, Negros, General Santos, Davao, Cebu, Bacolod, Palawan, Ilocos, and government institutions like the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

-Excerpted from The Philippine Daily Inquirer (July 23, 2008 issue)