Bolton Taekwondo Academy fare well at Tri-City Taekwondo Challenge
By Jon Yaneff

Students of the Bolton Taekwondo Academy won several medals at the Tri- City Taekwondo Challenge, which was at Conestoga College's Doon campus in Kitchener May 10.

The tournament had more than 300 competitors across Ontario. The sparring events were World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style, in which their rules are similar to those as the Olympics (except there is no head contact for kids 13 and under).

Emily Bedford (14 to 16- year-old, red belt) won gold in sparring and bronze in patterns. Her mother Kareen Bedford (30 plus, green belt) and Dillon Chanderpaul (eight to nine, green belt) each won bronze medals in sparring and silver in patterns. Kristen Drinkwater (14 to 16, yellow belt) won silver medals in sparring and in patterns.

Jenna (six to seven, yellow belt) and Justin Pezzack (10 to 11, blue belt) and Justin Vitari (10 to 11, red belt) each won bronze sparring medals, while Justin won a gold in patterns.

To round out the academy's performers, Gabriella Smirnova (14 to 16, green belt) won silver in sparring and bronze in patterns.

"It was everyone's first tournament and they all did exceptionally well," said Master Kamil Dubinski of Bolton Taekwondo Academy. "Everyone who competed received at least one medal, so I'm really proud of them."

For more information on Bolton Kaekwondo Academy visit www.boltontaekwondo.com