The “Double Official ITF Umpires Course” was conducted in the city of Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz, Argentina, in two intense days of 7 hours each, on April 26 and 27, 2025. Finally, it was a unique and unprecedented experience in the ITF Taekwon-Do world.
For the first time in history, the Umpires Qualifying Course and the Adapted Taekwon-Do Umpires Course were taught jointly and in person, directed by GM Abelardo Benzaquén, Chair of the ITF Umpire Committee, and Sbn Anabel Vicario, Chair of the ITF Inclusion Committee.
There was also special participation of Sbn Marisol Vicario, a member of the ITF Children’s Development Committee, and the presence of Masters, Instructors and outstanding International Umpires of the region.
Representatives from different localities of Patagonia and the country participated: Buenos Aires; Caleta Olivia; Las Heras; Perito Moreno; Pico Truncado and Puerto Deseado.
During the two days, time was devoted to presenting the regulations for the Adapted TKD competition, in which Sbn Anabel Vicario, together with GM Benzaquén, showed the joint work of both committees and answered numerous questions about it. The participants also had the unique opportunity to share the course with a group of students of Sbn Vicario, being able to appreciate, with much respect and admiration, the work they are doing.
It was also a great opportunity for the Umpires of the region to train for the next ITF Pan American Championship to be held in Santiago de Chile and the ITF World Championship 2025 in Croatia.
It should be noted that the course was organized by Sbn Fernando Tapia, who along with his team of collaborators provided an excellent organizational framework and warmed attention to all participants.
Thank you all for being part of this formative, professional and deeply human experience that reinforces our commitment to a more inclusive, fair and excellent Taekwon-Do and especially to the ITF President, GM Paul Weiler and the ITF Board of Directors for supporting this initiative by providing a training service of excellence to ITF members living in a very distant, almost remote region of southern Argentina. –
GM Abelardo Benzaquén – Chair Umpire Committee
Report: IIC Madagascar
