Moreton Bay region secures international Taekwondo events

Marking the return of international Taekwondo competitions to Australia, the Moreton Bay region, situated between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, has secured three Taekwondo events in July 2023.

Hosted by Australian Taekwondo and supported by the Moreton Bay Council, the Oceania Open Poomsae Championships, the World Taekwondo President's Cup (Oceania) and the Australian Open will be contested at the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre from 7th to 9th July.

Athletes from World Taekwondo's 212 Member National Associations are invited to attend, with each event carrying world ranking points.

Open to the world's elite black belts, event disciplines across the three events include Kyorugi (Sparring), Para-Kyorugi (Sparring) and Poomsae (Patterns), with ages ranging from 12 to 60+ years.

President of the Oceania Taekwondo Union, John Kotsifas, is pleased to see international events return to Australia, the first since the global pandemic halted world sport and notes "we are pleased to see Australia host these events in 2023 and look forward to having these events conducted annually in Australia and seeing them become popular on the international calendar.

"It is critical for the development of our Oceania athletes to have access to elite international competitions. These events will bring some of the world's best Taekwondo athletes, including Para athletes, to Australia. Athletes who attend will be hoping to gain significant world ranking points."

Australian Taekwondo Chief Executive Heather Garriock, is delighted to bring international Taekwondo events to the Moreton Bay Region and work with the Council to deliver sporting event opportunities and economic benefits to the area.

Garriock shares "we're really grateful for the generous support of the Moreton Bay Council and their enthusiasm in bringing events like these to Queensland and the Moreton Bay Region.

"We also acknowledge the support of World Taekwondo and the Oceania Taekwondo Union in delivering world-ranked events in Australia.

"Our event schedule showcases both sides of Taekwondo, the sport and the martial art, together with the tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.

"For many, Taekwondo is a way of life that improves body and mind wellness. These events are a great way to experience the diversity and inclusiveness of competitive Taekwondo as well as seeing the health and wellness benefits it delivers."

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a great honour to host the Oceania Open Poomsae Championships, the World Taekwondo President's Cup (Oceania) and the Australian Open at the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre from 7th-9th July.

Mayor Flannery enthused "we are thrilled to partner with Australian Taekwondo and showcase Moreton Bay on the international stage.

“These events were secured for the region through Council's major event sponsorship program.

"Securing these Events is huge win for the region given the prestige and significant visitation of out of region participants and visitors attached.

"The events will boost our local businesses by generating an estimated economic impact of $ 1.3 million of additional spend."

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the World Taekwondo President's Cup (Oceania) and the Australian Open will be mandatory events for senior Australian Taekwondo Kyorugi athletes vying for Australia's 2024 Olympic Team.

"Coming to Queensland will give Oceania athletes the experience they require against some of the world's top athletes as they prepare for Olympic selection," Kotsifas added.

In conjunction with the international competitions, a National team will also be selected for the upcoming Cadet World Championships (Kyorugi) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in August.   

The Oceania Open Poomsae Championships will run on 7th July, the World Taekwondo President's Cup (Oceania) on 7th -8th July, and the Australian Open on 9th July.

Spectator tickets are on sale now from the Australian Taekwondo website 

Image top: Maxwell Wraight and Ellowyn Geyl show off skills with Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery and Australian Taekwondo Chief Executive Heather Garriock watching on; Image centre (from left): Australian Taekwondo Tournament Director Carlos Lakerdis, Maxwell Wraight, Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, Ellowyn Geyl & Australian Taekwondo Chief Executive Heather Garriock OLY. Credit: Richard Walker/MBRIT