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A team from the Gibraltar Taekwondo Association, representing Gibraltar, participated at the British Taekwondo National Poomsae (Patterns) Championships held in Nottingham recently.
The event received players from throughout England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man. Overall there were a total of 315 competitors in different categories. Master Simon Negus, who won 6th position at the 2012 World Poomsae Championships held in Colombia and also Ali Pourtaheri, current European Championship and previous World Bronze medallist, were amongst the competitors. It was hosted by the Poomsae Committee: Chairman – Master Derek Sumner, National Coach – Master Gemma Biescas, Judging Coordinator – Grandmaster T.W. Shin and Team Manager – Odette Stringwell. The event commenced at 10am and did not conclude until 7pm. WTF judging rules were used and A Class and International Judges headed the 3 rings that were laid out for the event. Masters Ernest and Edward Garcia accompanied the team.
Firstly Dana & Lorena Garcia together with Alexandra Lara competed in the “Individual Under 29” category and made it to the 2nd round. 
This was followed by Megan Ruiz who competed in the “Individual Under 13” category and made it to the finals, achieving 5th place.
Finally, the team composed by Dana, Lorena and Alex competed in the “Teams – 1st Team” was up and they also made it to the finals, achieving 4th place.
Highlight
The highlight of the event was, when as a consequence of their great performance, the British Taekwondo Poomsae Committee invited ALL four members of the Gibraltar Team to join the 2013 National Poomsae Squad. This is a unique and great opportunity for Gibraltar team, for which a high level of commitment and dedication is required to train at this level.
These training sessions are held in the UK, throughout the coming months up to and including July 2013. In order for the Gibraltar team to be able to attend these training sessions, the Association is asking the general public for any type of sponsor to assist with the financial expenses that will be incurred.
Both Masters Ernest and Edward Garcia express how proud they are and hope that training as part of the National Poomsae Squad will provide them with new experiences and opportunities that will further their development of this sport.
Source: panorama.gi