The World Junior Karate Championships take place in Dublin this weekend with as many as 2,000 competitors flying in from around the world.
The event may not have fully captured the public imagination at a time of such intense sporting activity but it is a big boost to the city and a good example of how a small sports body with a big ambition can draw on support from Failte Ireland and elsewhere to bring a world class event to Ireland with all the benefits in terms of travel, accommodation and tourism that it brings.
The opening ceremony took place last night and the action gets under way today with live streaming of the action available on Ustream and You Tube.
“Junior level Karate is crucial to build the future of the WUKF athletes,” said President of Amateur Martial Arts Ireland Sean O’Brien.
“Our children and cadets are our future and they need to be nurtured, and developed by us all and to be help.”
The Irish team is sponsored by Teamwear.ie and we wish them well for this major event in their young lives.
