Viking Cup 2016

After a 4-year break the Viking Cup is here again!

This popular competition was held for the 14th time last Saturday, the 2nd of April in Arena Skövde. The Viking Cup has gone through some changes. The biggest difference is that the competition went from two days of competition to all the matches in one day. The second difference is that the Viking Cup now is directed first and foremost to our national practitioners and in all age and advancement divisions. Foreign participants are still allowed but only in the most advanced division for juniors and seniors.

In this year’s Viking Cup more than 420 athletes representing 30 clubs / organizations from Finland, Poland and Sweden took part. There were a total of 733 matches, 352 matches in pattern and 381 matches in sparring. The competition which was held on 6 mats ran very smoothly and everything was completed according to plan, incredibly before 17.00 (!) despite the large number of matches. All this thanks to all club leaders for the good cooperation before and during the competition, but perhaps first and foremost, the competition’s administrative leader Petra Dydiszko responsible for the schedule and the competition’s head umpire Mimmi Oskarsson who very effectively coordinated all umpires. Good work!!!

Among the things that are extra fun to mention is perhaps first and foremost, that despite the high number of matches there were no serious injuries and minimal injuries whatsoever. I think this is the best confirmation the organizer can get afterward as the competitions safety is always a top priority. This is also proof of the good work of the competition’s umpires, and the result of long-term work in the federation to create good and safe competitions. Introduction of additional protective equipment for certain age groups in recent times also proves that we are on the right track. Thanks also to Dr. Edward Lecaros and other members of the Medical Team that monitored all competitors during all matches.

Many matches offered a lot of action and were really fun to watch. The spectators enjoyed extra action and great technique in the matches between the Finnish and Swedish competitors who were using the Viking Cup as final preparation for the forthcoming European Championships being held in late April in Finland.

TAEKWON!

Master Swavek Dydiszko

Organizer of Viking Cup 2016