Think twice before you mess with these kids! Spirits were high as families and friends of young participants filled the halls with excitement and cheer at the NESTLÉ KOKO KRUNCH Junior Taekwondo Singapore Championship 2015 on Sunday. An astounding 550 children came pumped with taekwondo self-defense and combat skills as they battled it out to be amongst the finalists of the Championship.
The NESTLÉ KOKO KRUNCH Junior Taekwondo Singapore Championship strikes back for the third year with a record-number of participation, a big jump from only 200 participants last year. Targeted at boys and girls from ages 7 to 12 years old, children showed off their exhilarating high kicks and amazing moves at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall.
To encourage team spirit at an early age and increase awareness of other categories, the Championship also saw its first team participation added to the line-up in this year’s competition. The Poomsae category includes Recognised (team) and Creative Poomsae categories, which were displayed for the first time.
Other categories in the competition include Poomsae (Individual) and Kyorugi. Unlike Poomsae, which is a display of fixed Taekwondo movements, Kyorugi is a form of sparring using the fist, hand and foot.
Mr Milan Kwee, President of Singapore Taekwondo Federation said, “Witnessing the overwhelming participation year-on-year at NESTLÉ KOKO KRUNCH Junior Taekwondo Singapore Championship is extremely heartening for us at Singapore Taekwondo Federation.”
“I was blown away by some of the younger athletes as they demonstrated stamina, ability and mastery. I wish all our finalists the best in the Grand Finals in Kuala Lumpur, and hope they can do Singapore proud!” added Mr Kwee.
Darren Yap Zong-Han, who won 3 gold and 1 bronze medals (1 gold medal in Kyorugi, 2 gold and 1 bronze medals in Poomsae), shared, “This is my third time taking part in the Singapore Championship. I trained hard with my coaches over the past few months, and am very happy with my achievements today. I am excited to move on to the Grand Finals in Malaysia, and I hope to clinch a medal for Singapore!”
Ms Winnie Foo, Business Manager of Nestlé Breakfast Cereals, shared that the competition helps the young taekwondo exponents demonstrate sportsmanship, confidence, and discipline.
“Like any sport, the right nutrition plays a vital role for athletes. KOKO KRUNCH provides Whole Grain goodness for these kids, so they can be at their best in their competition. We are excited to see how the finalists will move on to the next round with zeal and determination,” said Ms Foo.
Organised by the Singapore Taekwondo Federation for the local Championship, winners will represent Singapore in Kuala Lumpur for the Grand Finals on 31 May 2015.
The Regional NESTLÉ KOKO KRUNCH Junior Taekwondo Championship, will see Malaysia hosting three regional legs and the Grand Final in Kuala Lumpur on 31 May 2015. Regional winners from Malaysia and Singapore will compete to become the regional champion.