Richmond, BC, May 15, 2018 – Taekwondo Canada and Richmond BC are thrilled to announce that Richmond has been selected as the host city for the 2018 and 2019 Canada Open International Taekwondo Championships. This signature event attracts over 1,200 athletes, coaches, officials and delegates for three days of international competition. As the 2020 Olympic Games approach, this World Taekwondo sanctioned G1 event will allow athletes to accumulate points towards their Olympic ranking. In the 2017 Canada Open, this event welcomed athletes from over 30 countries to participate in over 80 competition divisions and categories.
Hosted at the Richmond Olympic Oval, September 13 – 16, 2018 and September 12 – 15, 2019, this iconic venue plans to raise the bar and set the stage for a world-class event.
“I’d like to thank the City of Richmond for hosting this international taekwondo tournament in its award winning Olympic legacy venue,” said Carla Anderson, the Executive Director at Taekwondo Canada. “The Richmond Olympic Oval contributed to the success of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and the City had a great plan regarding the post-Olympic transition of the venue. This venue has since become a multi-purpose sports centre that benefits the local community as a whole. Being chosen by Taekwondo Canada as the host venue is one such example. We look forward to hosting the 2018 and 2019 Canada Open in a world class venue that is a true source of pride for many Canadians.”
“After receiving the bidding document and having the opportunity to visit the venue during the selection process, the decision to host our events here in Richmond was easy,” said Darryl Elyk, Event Manager of Taekwondo Canada. “The mix of beautiful landscape, a state-of-the-art venue and a wide assortment of multi-cultural dining experiences made Richmond very attractive. We have no doubt that the City of Richmond and the Richmond Olympic Oval will exceed expectations and take our event to the next level.”
“We are excited to welcome Taekwondo Canada and to host the athletes participating in this prestigious international tournament. Richmond has a rich Taekwondo history. We look forward to continue to grow that tradition” said Jordan Mottl, Acting Manager, Richmond Sport Hosting. “Richmond looks forward to delivering memorable experiences to all participants, coaches and supporters. For Richmond it is not only about hosting an amazing competition, but also showcasing our City on the international stage.”
Richmond Sport Hosting looks forward to working with Taekwondo Canada to engage local athletes and organizations. Vital to the success of the events will be a close working relationship with the BC Taekwondo Federation, the City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond and the Richmond Olympic Oval.
About Taekwondo Canada
Taekwondo Canada is the National Sport Organization in Canada recognized by the World Taekwondo (WT), Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), Sport Canada and Canadian Olympic Committee. Together with its members and partners, Taekwondo Canada will establish the highest possible standards for Taekwondo development and achievement.
About the Richmond Olympic Oval
The Richmond Olympic Oval provides sport, health and fitness activities, skill development pathways and role-model leadership to all ages and skill levels, contributing to the improved health and wellness of the community and to the international success of athletes wearing the maple leaf. The Oval is a proud partner of Richmond Sport Hosting and home to world class events.
Media Contact:
Andrew Clark
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Richmond Olympic Oval
604-345-6681
aclark@richmondoval.ca
Fei Wu
Marketing, Communications, and Sponsorship Coordinator
Taekwondo Canada
613-695- 5425, ext. 2233
communications@taekwondo-canada.com
