MIDDLE REGION--Fourteen athletes have been selected to represent the Friendly Island in the USA International Martial Arts Festival at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando Florida from October 8 to 11.
Making the team are Tyrell Pantophlet, Gimora Calmero, Kharmian Boasman, Tyrone Washington, Andries Patrick, Joey Narducci, Anna - Lynn Hypolite, Yvyanne Louisa, Destiny Washington, Miquel de Weever, Earl Ryan, Tyrell Richardson, Jaedon Serant and Jayden Harriott.
The group is diverse ranging in age from six year olds Ryan and de Weever to 17 year old Pantophlet. Six members of the team have a white belts with a yellow strip while three of the top athletes have earned red belts. Wearing red are Pantophlet, Louisa and Destiny Washington.
St. Maarten squad will compete in sparring, form display or Poomsee’s and break tests.
The team, from the King Yen Tae kwon do School will be led by Grandmaster Theo Liu. Also accompanying the team will be a support staff of 11 additional delegates including physical therapist Paulien Vuijst.
Tournament organizers expect in addition to St. Maarten’s 14 athletes nearly 700 other competitors.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for a Tae kwon do martial artist to compete in the USA,” said Liu. “This tournament will raise the technical and practical knowledge of each student.”
Liu, a black belt, has been training athletes and giving them the opportunity to acquire international experience for nearly four decades. With each tournament the team participates in and wins medals, the group is invited to more prestigious competitions.
Liu with his dedication and indomitable spirit motivates the team to work hard, preparing for a tournament five days a week while still keeping up with the school work.
“Our school was the only Tae Kwon Do school invited to host the Martial Arts of Canada Tournament in the Caribbean in 2014, said the Grandmaster. “Our school was chosen because of the excellent production of athletes and the dedication and professionalism.”
