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EC2017 News comment 3

Issue One contents Summer 2016

4-7 news all the latest news & developments 8 preparations underway Update on progress ahead of 2017

10 everything’s right here… GM Michael Prewett 2017 venue makes life so much easier 12 teamwork ITF England prepare for 2017 welcome!

14 car trouble In my position as President, I was very pleased when ITF 5000 miles and the meter is still running England and the City of Liverpool were chosen by Congress to host the 2017 EITF Championships. 16 road trip baby you can drive my car… In my capacity as President and Chairman of Umpires it is my duty to inspect the candidate Cities, and report to Congress that the candidate City is 19 my vision suitable to host the event. Mike Moran on EC2017’s legacy After my visit to Liverpool, I had no problem in recommending them as a

20 profiles candidate City. I found the venue superb, the hotels within walking distance, and of a very high standard. The City Council were eager for ITF England to Some of Europe’s top athlete’s – host the event, and are very supportive. looking forward to Liverpool! 22 visit liverpool After ITF England’s presentation at the Congress – which was extremely professional – a vote was called, and from the 31 voting Countries 29 The city is looking forward to our event voted for Liverpool. 24 sponsors’ stories I am very pleased to see, that since they won the election, the Organising meet the people making it happen Committee have not rested on their laurels, and have continued to promote the 2017 Championships. In fact, in April of this year they drove a London 28 echo arena taxi covered with advertising for the 2017 event to Thessaloniki, Greece for A great venue! this years Championships, which raised huge interest amongst participants, many of whom had their photographs taken on or around the taxi, and posted them on Facebook and other social media outlets.

The City Council informed me that they were going to visit schools in Liverpool, and bring children to the Championships, which will leave a legacy in the area after the event.

Not since the early 80’s has there been a European Championship in England. I am looking forward very much to this event. I anticipate there will be over a 1,000 competitors, Umpires, Coaches etc travelling from all over Europe to this event, and I am sure that the organisers will exceed all expectations, and EC2017 News is published by Brands in Motion Office 4, The HarbourWorks, 4/5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, TQ2 5JG this will be a benchmark for all future tournaments.

Website: http://ec2017.itf-england.co.uk/ I look forward to seeing you all in 2017 in Liverpool for the : Darren Brinham – E-mail: [email protected] Managing editor EITF Championships, and also to help celebrate 50 years of Design & Production : Vital Design & Publications ITF Taekwon-Do in the United Kingdom. EC2017 News is distributed free to ITF members in Great Britain. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission of EC2017 News is strictly forbidden. The views expressed in EC2017 News do not necessarily reflect those of ITF organisations, bodies or officials. Good Luck and best wishes to you all © Copyright EC2017 News 2016 Grand Master Michael Prewett 4 EC2017 News top stories

● COMMENT ● COMMUNITY

Assistant Instructor Mark Ryan taking the kids 2017: a truly through their patterns historic year ahead

2017 is the year that celebrates 50 years of Taekwon-Do in the UK. Established by First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha in 1967, only one year after the ITF was formed. The upcoming European ITF Taekwon-Do championships is a fantastic celebration of a Martial Art and sport with a full and fruitful history within the UK community.

As the historical host of several major tournaments, both World and European, England is perfectly placed BOOST FOR STRESSED OUT CHILDREN to host the 2017 Euros. Major sponsorship and organizational input British parents are increasingly turning to Taekwon- spirit, are values we try to instil in our students, something from the British Military assures a Do, one of the fastest growing martial arts in the which parents of our younger students find particularly great championship. world, to help provide children with values which important. “Respect, trust and open communication are also will keep them safe from the threats and stress that the foundations of strong families. Taekwon-Do training Liverpool is an ideal venue, with its social networking can cause. promotes these values, helping maintain a good family vibrant multi-cultural city, offering a structure.” lively night life with many restaurants Taekwon-Do instructors across the UK are reporting that and tourist attractions, not forgetting more and more primary school age children have taken up Things that Taekwon-Do Can-Do: it’s also the home of the most famous the sport and now participate in classes. With 43,658 people • Enhance self-esteem by heightening physical and mental pop group in the world – the Beatles. currently enrolled in a Taekwon-Do schools in the UK, powers. 21,205 of them are reportedly under the age of 18, • Build confidence by encouraging children to succeed The modern arena (see pages 8&9 and according to the British Taekwon-Do Council. and to take control of their life. 28&29) which has already hosted many • Develop discipline by thoroughly training body and mind major events will have a competition These days, children are subject to many distractions from in the tenets and techniques of Taekwon-Do. and warm up area technology and are vulnerable to the risks of social • Teach self-defence by training children to recognise and with all the hotels close by, makes networking. Experts and teachers are also witnessing a drop situations in which physical self-defence may be Liverpool a perfect host for both in children's powers of concentration along with increased necessary, and teaching them how to control such competitors and spectators. anxiety and sleep deprivation. However, Taekwon-Do situations to their advantage. instructors insist that this sport can help these problems as • Strengthen the mind and body through increased We look forward to seeing you all it focuses on the mind, as well as the bod, and increases physical coordination and mental discipline. in 2017. physical coordination and mental discipline. The UK has well established links with the sport and next Wayne Brown , President of ITF England, said: “In recent year marks the 50th anniversary of Taekwon-Do in the years we have seen an increase in curiosity in the UK for Country. Liverpool is also currently preparing for the this amazing sport, particularly from parents, who see it as European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships taking place the perfect tool to help children deal with the challenges of between 24th- 30th April 2017 , where as many as modern society. 1,500 athletes from 37 Countries are expected to compete.

“Apart from the physical activity which all children need, it has the added benefits of teaching the importance of respect for themselves and for others, the importance of trust and communication and the value of honesty, good manners, loyalty and collaboration.”

Helen Bennett, Senior Instructor at Wirral UKTA Senior Master Wayne Brown, Taekwon-Do School said, “The tenets of Taekwon-Do; President of ITF England courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable EC2017 News top stories 5

● EUROS 2017 TAXI DESTINATION LIVERPOOL Liverpool prepares for the 2017 European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships

The countdown has begun for a major links with local and European businesses, as well as hope that this will inspire others to excel in their own International sporting event to be held in provide an excellent chance to showcase the training so that they too might compete internationally Liverpool next year. outstanding facilities available at Liverpool's Echo Arena one day. Taekwon-Do is an incredibly exciting spectator and boost the city's fame as a top tourist destination. sport, and many people will be surprised by what they After the heady success of the London Olympics and see at the championships." last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it is James Osborne , a student at the nearby Wirral now Liverpool's turn to take centre stage and the city UKTA Taekwon-do School and hopeful for selection of "The tenets of Taekwon-do; courtesy, integrity, is gearing up to host the 2017 European Taekwon-Do the England team said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit, are (EITF) Championships. Liverpool. At present there are not many ITF Taekwon- values we try to instil in our students, something which do clubs in the area, but hosting the EITF parents of our younger students find particularly The event will take place at Liverpool’s Echo Arena Championships will give the sport so much exposure. important. I hope that more people will take up from 24th to 30th April 2017 , marking the 50th Taekwon-do is a spectacular sport, requiring discipline, Taekwon-do as a result of this superb event". anniversary of Taekwon-Do in the UK. As precision and power. It will be incredible for people many as 1,500 athletes from 37 Countries are living in Liverpool to have the opportunity to watch expected to compete. such high level Taekwon-do athletes competing.”

Liverpool was chosen to host the championships Wayne Brown , President of ITF England, said: "Next following a bid from the International Taekwon-Do year marks the 50th anniversary of Taekwon-Do in the Federation England (ITF England), which showcased the UK. The upcoming EITF Championships is a fantastic city as an exciting and iconic event destination with a celebration of Martial Arts and sport with a full and proven capacity to host sporting events of the calibre fruitful history within the UK community. of The Grand National, The Liverpool Triathlon and the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament. “The state of the art venue, which has already hosted many major events will have a competition and warm ● NEWS BITES Joe Anderson , Mayor of Liverpool, said: "We are up area and the close proximity to so many hotels thrilled to have been awarded this championship event. makes Liverpool a perfect venue for competitors and Liverpool Council and city is committed to increasing spectators alike.” awareness and participation of Taekwon-Do locally and we are encouraging new classes and programmes in Helen Bennett , Senior Instructor at Wirral the run up to the championship. Hosting the EITF Taekwon-do School said, “This will be an excellent Championships next year will leave a lasting legacy for opportunity for our students to be able to watch Liverpool to carry forward. world class competitors in action so close to home. We are a high achieving school who have had students “The EITF Championships will help to develop strong selected for the ITF England Team in the past and I

ITF England Junior Boys ALL SIGNED UP Captain, James Moran astride the cab on it’s safe return to Liverpool Another milestone in the lead-up to the European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships 2017 was reached recently as members from the organising team met with representatives from Liverpool City Council, Marketing Liverpool and The Echo Arena to discuss the event in more detail and iron out specific arrangements.

Pictured are Alan Clark and Carrie King from ITF England with John Moore from The AAC/Echo Arena after sealing the deal and signing on the dotted line – final confirmation of the venue for the championships in April next year.

EC2017 News transport links 7 Make the most of your stay There are plenty of great places to visit whilst in the UK – all easy to get to from Liverpool

n rdee AbeVirgin Trains s rnes Inve key desinaions West Coast routes East Coast routes

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gh Key facts bur • Liverpool to London via train: Edin 2 hours 13 minutes • Liverpool to London via coach: 4 hours 30 minutes

Places to visit • London : The Eye, Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, Planetarium, ZFL, The Shard, k KYewor Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe, Loads of Museums & Art Galleries, West eds Le End Shopping, and loads more! • Stteornehenge ugh hes oro anc• The Lake District eNrbational Park ol M Pet rpo Live • Bath • Oxford/Cambridge ad yhe Hol • Easy to get to Wales & Scotland too! am ingh Birm n ndo ss Lo Cro ings don K Lon ton Eus 8 EC2017 News preparations preparation

The Venue Overview The plan is to layout the main arena in a gladiatorial The stunning ACC Liverpool complex is at the format , allowing for easy control of traffic flow and heart of our bid. This world-class venue with all increasing spectator visualisation . A large curtained off facilities linked on a single site, together with the warm-up area with multiple screen coverage of the brand new 642 on-site hotel rooms, will ensure main events will allow for comfortable preparations and one of the most seamless and athlete-centred viewing of the running order. The ample floor space will European Taekwon-Do Championships ever. allow for 6 full size competition rings with a seventh space permanently allocated for Power and Special The ACC Liverpool complex comprises: technique. • Echo Arena (Competition Venue) • Exhibition Centre Liverpool (Catering Venue and VIP and Umpires will have the capacity to sit ringside to view Food Court) procedures or retreat to the high level VIP seating . • Pullman Hotel (VIP and Umpires hotel) • Liverpool Waterfront car park (1,600 spaces) Technology The Echo Arena has fully flexible lighting rigs to provide Competition venue specification broadcast quality viewing throughout the day and night. The The venue has a capacity of up to 7,500 seats with a flexible site also has full wireless internet access provided by the configuration to ensure the integrity of the competition area is latest British Telecom Equipment and high quality camera maintained at all times. access for both site viewing and webcasting.

Look out for the Penguin! – CATERING Our friendly The latest addition to the ACC Liverpool family of world mascot will be Progress: at a glance here there and • Medal Design (see below right) to be finalised, class venues is The Exhibition Centre Liverpool . Our everywhere. (isn’t that a should be in production by the end of September plans are to accommodate the mass catering requirements Beatles song?) • Unique Overall Trophies are currently being required as part of the event specification within one or two of designed, all medals sponsored by MIRABAUD the halls as required. Our catering providers have tangible • 2000 Matts have arrived for China, currently in experience when it comes to servicing the nutritional needs of Liverpool athletes. They will cover all three of the daily meals • 8 Power Test holders under construction provided , creating a consistent and familiar venue for the • 50 New focus Boards on Order athletes to eat and relax. • Current negotiations with a team of physios to be available throughout the competition week • Field Xray kit to be installed at the Arena to offer full medical support for athletes • ITF England Merchandise and Martial Arts equipment will be available for purchase at stands within the Arena • Sponsors continuing to come on board EC2017 News preparations 9 ns underway Watch this space – inside the arena for real. Different layout, same awesome space! 10 EC2017 News preparations everything’s

accommodation accommodation rates agreed will be in line with the Liverpool has a wide range of city centre current EITF rules and guidelines. hotels ranging from budget to 3 and 4 star ratings, all within easy reach of the With accommodation, competition, and catering competition and catering venues. venues all linked together on one site, the campus environment at ACC Liverpool will be ACC Liverpool includes two on-site hotel options safe, easy to navigate and ensure the most offering 442 rooms ; a third hotel is to be built as part of seamless and athlete-centred European the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool Taekwon–Do Championship ever. development , increasing on-site accommodation to 642 rooms in 2015 . A direct pedestrian link along the waterfront provides access to a further 5,000 rooms , all within 25 minutes walking distance of the venue and with agreed rate cards to suit all budgets. get back to

Liverpool Convention Bureau has the capacity to where we once support the event with a complimentary booking service. This will include securing required room allocations and belonged… types with negotiated and locked in rates.The

Delegates City Centre: Places to stay pack Special deals will be arranged with some of these to make the most of your stay. As another bonus – all official attendees to the event will get a special ‘Delegates’ Pack, featuring discounts and offers from businesses and attractions across the city. EC2017 News preparations 11 s right here … 12 EC2017 News england!

ITF England squad: in it to win it – together.

ITF England have embraced their preparations for Liverpool 2017 with an even greater enthusiasm than was expected from a host country.

Fuelled by progressive success at previous European Championships, national and international media interest and a growing respect from other national teams, the competitors have thrown themselves heavily into their training.

New equipment is due to arrive at their England training venue in Didcot within the next few months, so the competitors can get a feel for the matts, boards and holders with plenty of time.

The squad has continued to grow almost weekly, as the word spreads between Taekwon-Do schools across England, and students begin to dream of a place on the podium at European Championship on home soil. A few new captains have been appointed to give stability to the squad, but the electric atmosphere remains inviting to newcomers.

The Coaching Team has also had to adjust in preparations for the championships as some of it’s lead figures will be occupied from the 24th – 30th April with other duties .

Master Clark will has temporarily passed his lead role in the coaching to Mr Steve Millis , but continues overseeing as manager. Carrie King has also spent the past few months i get by with a sharing out and training up for her many roles, so she can concentrate on Hotels and Transportation. little help from New appointed Veteran Captain Darren Brinham , remains my friends confident that his media and marketing role will be sufficiently developed and the promotional programme robust enough that he can still compete at the event too. teamwo EC2017 News england! 13

rk 14 EC2017 News roadtrip car trouble 5000 miles and the meter is still running…

It was a crazy little idea. “Let’s wrap a London Cab in graphics and drive it from Liverpool to Thessaloniki, Greece – hand out some T-Shirts, Badges, etc to passers by on the way – film, photograph and blog the whole thing and post on the website – spend the week

at the competition – pick up the official EITF Flag and “The Beatilski” – Impromptu rendition of bring it back in the cab all the way home again”. Ukrainian Folk songs went down a storm

A sort of ‘Olympic Torch’ relay. But with a flag instead. And not as many people. And no running...

Be careful what you wish for . For some reason everybody who came into contact with the cab loved it. It was ‘Herbie’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ rolled into one. It had a sort of instant appeal. You just had to look, get selfie with it, sit in it and if you are a Taekwondoist – get on top and do some kicks! The TV Crew filming the “beat that kick’ contest The route out was via Dover-Calais Channel Tunnel - through France, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Alexsey Gulyaev signs his own image on the cab Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. Ok, so it broke down a few times – but it got there.

It broke down again. It spent a week as a star in Thessaloniki before making the homeward trip. On the way to the ferry crossing to Italy (where it planned to go home via Andria, Vienna HQ, Netherlands and London) ...... it broke down. So it spent several weeks in Greece being repaired.

Finally it was collected, taken by ferry to Venice then driven across Europe to the UK, and on to Liverpool, where it arrived to rapturous applause, and the EITF flag was swiftly hoisted high outside the Echo Arena – the stunning venue for the 2017 event.

See you all there for more selfies with ‘The Cab’ ...

Senior Master Wayne Brown (ITF England President) Ri Yong Son (ITF President) and Grand Master Michael Prewett (EITF President) EC2017 News roadtrip 15 the long and winding road Baby you can drive my car…

ITF England Coach Mr Steve Millis with daughter Hannah with the cab on its trip to Devon in the South West.

Andrei Krylov from Russia Giuseppe and Ruggiero Lanotte from Italy) Ismet Icanovic from Slovenia poses next to himself... 16 EC2017 News cab road trip road trip

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Check out all the photos, videos and blog posts at ec2017.itf-england.co.uk EC2017 News cab road trip 17

here, there and Lost somewher e in Europe… everywhere

… The ‘Blue’ Danube

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… an d Bulgaria too.

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EC2017 News real lives 19 my vision 2017 and beyond – a legacy for the City and for Taekwon-Do

I am delighted to be involved in helping to London), a thriving night life to suit all ages deliver the 2017 European ITF Taekwon- and tastes, a heady mix of restaurants, pubs Do Championships in Liverpool. and clubs, and a shopping experience for all budgets – you will find all of this and more The City is geared for hosting great sporting on your doorstep and within walking events; from the historic Grand National distance of your hotel. Steeplechase to the Liverpool v Everton Derbies, from martial arts to boxing and I am certain that ITF England and the Echo gymnastics to triathlon, and everything else Arena management will deliver an excellent in between. Championships for EITF competitors.

The City has sport embedded in its DNA However, success for me will be measured in and it has world-class venues to ensure that the legacy that we create well beyond the athletes have the best possible opportunity Championships. to reach their sporting goals. We have a number of initiatives to support the The Echo Arena , with a capacity of 6000 development of a sustainable legacy, including: spectators, will give EITF competitors an • the delivery of an ambitious programme to unparalleled experience. With a raised engage with Schools across Liverpool and competition area overlooked by gladiatorial the North West of UK seating, a separate warm up area, excellent Mike Moran MBE changing rooms and tertiary facilities, each • promoting the Championships, and the athlete will have an excellent environment to sport in general, with live streaming of compete in. every event, TV coverage on Eurosport, • the development of a spectator base for BT Sports TV coverage in a special future events The Arena is set in the historic docklands of highlights programme, radio, social media Liverpool on the banks of the River Mersey • and finally, bringing Taekwon-Do events to and print medi a in the centre of the world’s most famous major cities across Europe. waterfront location and in itself a UNESCO • the development of UK coaches and new I very much look forward to welcoming all World Heritage Site . There will be Taekwon-Do schools in Liverpool and, officials and athletes to Liverpool next year, something for everyone in Liverpool. more widely, across the UK I know that you will all find the City a Whether you are looking for culture (there • signposting interested spectators and vibrant one and, I know that the people of are more museums and galleries in media viewers to new and existing Liverpool will take the Taekwon-Do family Liverpool than in any other UK city outside Taekwon-Do schools to their heart. 20 EC2017 News real lives

Some of the UK’s top Taekwon-Do athletes tell us a s e l

Gary Bonser Charlotte Nickson Age: 35 Age: 20 Nationality: English Nationality: Welsh

fi Home location: Leicestershire Home location: Caerphilly. Profession: Brick Layer Profession: Sport & exercise student, Years in Taekwon-Do: 18 Years in Taekwon-Do: 14.

Other than Taekwon-Do, what other Other than Taekwon-Do, what other sports help you with your training? sports help you with your training? Boxing, cross fit, weights and swimming I partake in a strength and conditioning

o programme at university, the programme What is your biggest accomplishment has been specifically designed for in your sport? Taekwon-Do. In the 2008 European championships I

r won 5 medals which was a massive What is your biggest accomplishment achievement which I am very proud of. in your sport? These were a mix of individual and team Achieving two silver medals in the recent medal events. European Championships in Thessaloniki. The pattern medal was particularly What would be your ultimate significant as prior to the competition I achievement? spent a lot of time working on improving

p To win a medal at the European my patterns and knowing the hard work Championships in my own country would paid off was great. be fantastic. What would be your ultimate What is your next goal? achievement? Staying fit and enjoying the sport To be a European and World champion.

What was the best advice you were What is your next goal? ever given? To focus is the Moravia Open at the end I have had a lot of great advice from of September where I’ll hopefully achieve coaches and fellow team members it’s a medal. really too hard to pinpoint anything specific as I try and take all advice on What was the best advice you were board. ever given? It was from by instructor Leigh Pember, What advice would you give to he said ‘you should never lose a fight due someone who is looking to take up to the lack of fitness’. Taekwon-Do? Taekwon-Do is a great way to keep fit What advice would you give to and there is always a goal to aim for someone who is looking to take up making it a great life choice, also never Taekwon-Do? quit! You will have good and bad training I’d encourage anyone to give it a go! sessions but the good ones are worth Taekwon-Do has something for everyone. having the odd bad one for! EC2017 News real lives 21 bit more about themselves ahead of Liverpool 2017…

Laura Orgill Conah Prosser Jenna Williams Age: 32 Age: 24 Age: 28 Nationality: English Nationality: British, Welsh Nationality: Welsh/British Home location: Leicestershire Home location: Cardiff, Wales Home location: Cardiff Profession: Pharmacy Technician Profession: Public House staff Profession: Mental Health Counsellor Years in Taekwon-Do: 25 Years Years in Taekwon-Do: 15 Years in Taekwon-Do: 16

Other than Taekwon-Do, what other Other than Taekwon-Do, what other Other than Taekwon-Do, what other sports help you with your training? sports help you with your training? sports help you with your training? I like to set up cross fit circuits at the Boxercise, TRX, Battle ropes. I don’t do any other sports. gym to build fitness and strength. What is your biggest accomplishment What is your biggest accomplishment What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport? in your sport? in your sport? European champion (Gold Medallist) 2015. When I was younger I loved patterns but On a personal level my biggest didn’t really enjoy the sparring element of accomplishment was at the World What would be your ultimate Taekwon-Do. It was only in 2008 I Championships in Russia when I beat achievement? started to think ‘maybe I can do this’. So DPR Korea in one of my sparring rounds Becoming a Master. I guess my biggest accomplishment was and then went on to win a world to win a sparring bronze medal in the sparring medal .From a team point of What is your next goal? EITF Championship 2016. view the best accomplishment was Winning the Europeans again in Liverpool. winning European Gold in the power What would be your ultimate contest with the ladies team in Slovenia. What was the best advice you were achievement? ever given? To win another international medal and What would be your ultimate Practice doesn’t improve you, practicing inspire others to take up Taekwon-Do. achievement? correctly improves you. Winning gold at major competitions. What is your next goal? What advice would you give to Representing GB in the female team of What is your next goal? someone who is looking to take up the Presidents cup in November and EITF To compete at the European Taekwon-do? Championships in Liverpool next year. Championships in Liverpool and hopefully Train hard and don’t be afraid to ask win some medals in front of a home questions on anything you don’t understand. What was the best advice you were crowd. ever given? From a competition perspective it has What was the best advice you were always been ‘keep it simple and believe ever given? you can win’. Don’t stop until the ref tells you! nothing you What advice would you give to What advice would you give to can do that someone who is looking to take up someone who is looking to take up Taekwon-Do? Taekwon-Do? can’t be done… To get involved, whatever your level or Never be worried about starting at the ability, and become part of a bigger back of the class, every world champion ‘Taekwon-do family’. The hard work does was once a white belt. pay off if you persevere.

Liverpool is delighted to be hosting the 2017 European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships at the city’s Echo Arena from 24th to 30th April 2017

We are looking forward to welcoming unrivalled in the UK. Blockbuster gigs at the organisers, competitors, sponsors, the Echo Arena; pitch-perfect classical friends and families to the city for performances at the Philharmonic Hall; championships, which marks the 50th The Beatles inspired Mathew Street anniversary of Taekwon-Do in the UK. scene or the understated cool of Camp Here’s just a taste of what they can look and Furnace, Kazimier and Cream. forward to. Liverpool is famous for its love of From world-class architecture, shopping, our unique sense of style Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage magnificent museums and music legends has attracted hip fashion brands, cool City, placing the city alongside historical revolutionizing popular culture, Liverpool is independent boutiques and swanky treasures such as the Taj Mahal, Pyramids a city with culture and creativity in its DNA. cafés and restaurants to the lifestyle and the Great Wall of China. meccas of Liverpool ONE, Metquarter Through spectacular festivals, dramatic and Bold Street. Liverpool has not only made a unique sporting attractions and unique art contribution to world commerce and it continues to be a gateway for UK After a hard day’s shopping, the lights culture – it has one of the world’s great culture, attracting millions of visitors come on and we’re ready to entertain. waterfronts. The magnificent Three every year. With cuisine from every corner of the Graces and Albert Dock, a former 19th world, bars and pubs that buzz with life century dock now converted to one of People come for the hospitality, too: we and entertainment. Liverpool’s cultural Britain’s top heritage attractions, are the were recently voted the friendliest city scene is thriving all year round with a jewels in the crown. by readers of Conde Nast’s Traveller wonderful mix of theatres, The Everyman magazine. And our hospitality knows no and Playhouse, Empire and Royal Court And few cities in the world have arrival bounds – we welcome 50 foot giants, football raise the roof with home-grown and points in the heart of the city – Sydney, fans drawn to Anfield and Goodison, national productions. New York, Shanghai and Liverpool. artists from around the world in the UK’s Liverpool was the birthplace of the largest Biennial, and race enthusiasts to Liverpool has a sporting reputation to passenger cruise line and is, once the thrill of the Grand National. rival any city in the world. Sport – along again, an increasingly in-demand port of with music – is the beating heart of this call for the world’s sleekest cruise liners. Culture, of course, is our strong suit. Our city. The success of our football teams Capital of Culture year merely confirmed has made the name ‘Liverpool’ famous With beaches, parkland, seafront and what every visitor to the city knows: around the world. It is also home the skyscrapers, we’re proud of our beautiful we’ve got more than our fair share of old world’s greatest horse race and some of city – and the ease in which you can masters, vibrant theatres and cutting- the best golf courses in Britain. arrive (via one of Europe’s fastest edge galleries. The Tate Liverpool is growing airports, John Lennon Airport, home to the national collection of Architecturally, few cities match or the hub of road and rail connections modern art in the north, while National Liverpool’s for sheer wow factor – linking us to London in just 2 hours). Museums Liverpool comprises seven whether it’s taking in the panorama of wonder-filled collections. our world-famous waterfront from the The city’s life and style is rooted in deck of a Mersey Ferry, or scaling the the warmth of its people and an Half a century after The Beatles heights of Britain’s largest cathedral, and unmistakable personality. And we’d love exploded on to the world stage, surveying the perfect geometry of the to show you around. Liverpool is still making all the right Georgian streets below. noises. You’ll discover a music scene visitliverpool.com Cool City

Warm Welcome

all you need

is love

24 EC2017 News sponsors’s stories

I had the opportunity to visit Liverpool event. Taekwon-Do has played an earlier in the year to tour the Echo important role in my family with 2 of Arena facilities and surrounding area. my children obtaining their black belts as teenagers. It is a fabulous venue and an ideal site for the 2017 European ITF Taekwon- The sense of self-confidence, discipline Do Championships. The successful and perseverance that was instilled production of an event like these through their years of training have championships starts with the energy been invaluable to their personal and enthusiasm of the organising team growth. has which has been totally infectious. I am truly grateful to have the The sense of excitement, creativity and opportunity to give back to the martial determination exhibited by the ITF art that has given so much to my family England team has permeated the entire and to help educate others about the MEI organisation and I am thrilled that huge opportunity for personal growth we are able to be a small part of what I that is provided through exposure to Gordon Baltzer am confident will be a hugely successful Taekwon-Do philosophy.

Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd is proud to employees, customers and other be associated with the European ITF stakeholders. Taekwon-Do Championships through our sponsorship of ITF England. In ITF England we see a similar disciplined and dedicated approach and Jotun is a global organisation set of values and hope that through our manufacturing and supplying products continued association we will together and services to more than 90 countries give many aspiring young athletes the across the world, we are a company opportunity to develop themselves and that has strong core values which we to compete at the top level in sport. live by, Loyalty, Boldness, Care and Respect. We wish ITF England and everyone involved with staging the European ITF These values drive our approach in Taekwon-Do Championships 2017 business and all we do to engage and every success. We are sure their support the communities in which we attention to detail, enthusiasm and operate and aim to build long term professionalism will make this a Matthew Curtis relationships with alongside our memorable sporting event.

Statumen is specialised in oncology certification, which puts us within striking market systems and has a breadth and distance of a full N3 solution which we depth of knowledge that is unique in the can then offer our client base. market and tailored to it. Under our staff training and retention policy, employees We continue to grow our strengths in receive practical and theoretical oncology. And our partners not only experience and skill in oncology systems. include end clients and continue to work directly with the most important IT infrastructure is a complex and manufacturers in this market space. integrated network and needs to remain These relationships continue to build flexible and up to date. Where new year on year and place us in a unique options are outlined, in all cases we position. already provide these services either to our clients and they are tried and tested Our latest work is with Proton Therapy system solutions. sited as the next stage in technology, we are designing and building their offering, Inwards investment into Statumen has in a similar fashion to the work we Mark Croker included pursuing ISO 27001 started in 2009. EC2017 News sponsors’s stories 25

Philips is delighted to be associated One of the key findings of the recent with the ITF Teakwon -Do European Future Health Index1, which looked at championships 2017. how countries around the world are positioned to meet long-term global The discipline of Taekwon- Do builds health challenges, shows that confidence, coordination, and higher individuals need to take more self-esteem leading to increased energy responsibility for their own health in and better overall health and fitness order to prevent ill health occurring in levels. These qualities are all vital to a later life. happier, longer life. Therefore, these championships have As a health and wellbeing company the potential not only to inspire young Philips aims to empower people to live people to try new sports for well, be healthy and enjoy life. As a themselves, giving them skills for life, result, supporting these championships but can also help them to embed is very much in line with Philips own healthier lifestyle choices in their daily commitment to improve 3 billion lives routine from an early age as well. Mike Hayden a year by 2025.

Mirabaud was founded in Geneva in 1819. (Montreal, Hong Kong and Dubai). Over time, the Group has developed into a multinational. Mirabaud provides its clients Mirabaud (Middle East) Limited set up an with customised financial and advisory office in the Dubai 2007, complementing its services in three core areas: Private Wealth other international officer around the Management (portfolio management, world. The Dubai base serves wealthy investment advisory services and services customers in the Middle East who need for independent financial advisors), Asset advise on managing their funds. With its Management (institutional management, Swiss sophistication and prudent risk fund management and distribution) and management approach, the bank acts as a Intermediation (brokerage, corporate bridge that connects gulf wealth to finance, mergers and acquisitions, debt). international investment opportunities. It additionally gives clients exposure into local With some 700 employees, the Group has listed equities through its local brokerage offices in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel and arm and exposure into alpha generating Zurich), Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, strategies including convertible bonds and Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia and alternative investment management Oliver Honsberger Luxembourg) and the rest of the world through its asset management arm.

Proton Partners International are at the interacts with outer healthy cells, protons forefront of bringing proton beam therapy are less likely to cause damage to to the UK by developing state-of-the-art surrounding critical tissue. cancer treatment centres, the first of which opens in Newport (South Wales) in Proton Partners International is thrilled to 2016. The centres will provide a be supporting the 2017 Championships; comprehensive cancer service for patients, Mike Moran, MBE and CEO stated ‘at the offering proton beam therapy, heart of Proton Partners’ visions and chemotherapy, traditional radiotherapy and values, is a better outcome for patients. imaging and will lead the way in the latest ‘Improving health and wellbeing is the core developments in science and technology. of our business, as we aspire to support and encourage adoption of a healthier Proton therapy is different from traditional lifestyle, at any age’ Mike added ‘ITF radiotherapy with a more targeted form of Taekwon-Do feeds into our core strategy treatment. Worldwide, Proton Beam perfectly; Taekwon-Do requires a great Therapy has delivered significant results deal of discipline, dedication and, of for patients, especially in lowering side course, it promotes a healthy balanced Mike Moran effects. Unlike traditional radiation which lifestyle.” Tate Liverpool Albert Dock Liverpool Waterfront Liverpool L3 4BB tangerine trees & marmalade skies

MPW Steakhouse Bar & Grill Liverpool 10 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG Telephone: 0151 559 0555 [email protected] echoarena.com

Liverpool is delighted to be hosting the 2017 European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships at the city’s Echo Arena from 27th to 30th April.

ACC Liverpool, home to BT over 4.5 million visitors. Convention Centre, Echo Key to the success of Echo Arena Arena and Exhibition Centre Liverpool to date has been its Liverpool is a landmark venue reputation and experience in situated in the heart of the city hosting and delivering world- on Liverpool’s International class sport, including the British UNESCO Heritage waterfront. Gymnastics Championship Power and Special technique. Playing a leading role in shining Series, World Netball Series and VIP and Umpires will have the the spotlight on the world- Davis Cup Tennis. What makes capacity to sit ringside to view famous European Capital of the venue a perfect home for procedures or retreat to the high Culture city, ACC Liverpool has sporting events is the flexibility level VIP seating. staged a wide array of national of the space and interconnected and international events and venues which oer both athletes With the main action taking generated over £1.1 Billion in and spectators a seamless event place in the arena, and world- economic impact to the local experience all under one roof. class athlete support and economy since opening in 2008. training areas provided by Echo Arena has a capacity of interconnected sister venues The venue’s showcase up to 7,500 seats with a flexible BT Convention Centre and entertainment and sports configuration to ensure the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, facility is Echo Arena Liverpool, integrity of the competition area we are sure that both athletes a leading UK arena which will is maintained at all times. For and spectators alike will be form the main competition the 2017 Championships, the impressed with the facilities and arena for the 2017 European ITF plan is to layout the main arena athlete village feel of the host Taekwon-Do Championships. in a gladiatorial format, allowing venue and its stunning location Echo Arena has hosted a range for easy control of trac in one of the UK’s most exciting of high profile events including flow and increasing spectator cities. the MOBO Awards 2010 and visualisation. A large curtained 2012, the European MTV awards, o warm up area with multiple We look forward to welcoming BBC Sports Personality of the screen coverage of the main The European ITF Taekwon- Year, and world-class artists events will allow for comfortable Do Championships family to including Sir Paul McCartney, preparations and viewing of the Liverpool in 2017. Beyonce and Elton John. Since running order. The ample floor opening in January 2008, Echo space will allow for 6 full size echoarena.com Arena has hosted more than 960 competition rings with a seventh performances and has welcomed space permanently allocated for

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Albert Dock, 22 Edward Pavilion, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4AF Call: 0151 203 6101