3rd Commonwealth Karate Championships
The Events Centre
Wellington, New Zealand
12th - 14th August 2005.
Welsh Squad – New Zealand 2005
Coaches
Stephen Wellington (National Coach)
Paul Scott (Assistant National Coach)
Michael Mainwaring (Youth Coach)
Chico Mbakwe (Kata Coach)
Officials
Chico Mbakwe (Chief Referee)
Jason Ashcroft (Assistant Chief Referee)
Competitors
Joshua Rees - David Lewis
Robbie Scott - Jason Rees - Rhys Jones
Gemma John - Samantha Jones
David Godfrey - Gareth Reynolds
Lawrence Channon - Andrew Kelliher.
Fantastic results for the Welsh Squad, at the very prestigious Commonwealth Karate Championships. With a tally of 4 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze and a Male Team
Bronze, the Welsh were able to celebrate in style (Fruit Juice only! of course).
David Godfrey – Gold
Robbie Scott – Gold & David Lewis – Silver
Samantha Jones - Gold
Gareth Reynolds – Gold
Joshua Rees – Silver
Andrew Kelliher - Bronze
Rhys Jones - Bronze
Male Team - Bronze
In addition to these results, our Female Team (Gemma John & Samantha Jones) despite only having the 2 members, had already secured a place to fight off for the Bronze Medal, only to have the decision reversed as a result of a Refereeing blunder. Despite intense remonstration, the decision stood and our girls therefore finished in 5th place. Being one fighter down, they automatically gave away 8 points, had there been a third member in their Team, I am convinced they would have taken Gold. Well done girls! Gemma John also finished in Top 5 (Female -60Kg). Jason Rees was unfortunately injured on the Sunday in the Male Openweight, which resulted in him having to be retired with a suspected broken arm. Following an “X” Ray at the local hospital, it was pleasing to find it only badly bruised. “Katanga my friend”.
Congratulations to all the Squad for an excellent performance.
Congratulations also to the Coaching Team for their tireless preparation for the event. Thanks to Squad Manager Alwyn Heath for all his hard work in arranging the trip and behind the scenes activity, before, during and after the event.
Anyone seen “ Tubbo”?
Stephen felt right at home
Following what appeared to be a non-starter, having only managed to gather £2000 for the trip in Grant Aid, the W.K.G.B were finally, following months of torment, able to send a Team of 3 Coaches, 2 Officials and 11 Competitors, showing our commitment to the Commonwealth drive, for full recognition for Karate in the Commonwealth Games. This was a direct result of the support of the Welsh Karate Governing Body under the direction and leadership of President Roger Williams. The Coaching Team and Competitors would like to offer our sincere gratitude.
The trip was a little “Whistle Stop”, not being able to afford the luxury of overnight stays to break up the travel. We left the U.K. on Monday 8th August, flying from Heathrow, refuelled in Bangkok. Hopped, skipped and jumped to Sydney and finally arrived, somewhat exhausted, in Wellington around lunchtime on Wednesday 10th. After transfer to our Hotel, a shower and short excursion around the local shops, it was now time for an evening meal and bed.
Early rise the next morning for “Brekky”. Followed by Training, Weigh In and Registration at the Events Centre. Thursday evening saw our Civic Welcome & Opening Ceremony at the Michael Fowler Centre, which included the Traditional Maori “Haka” .
Friday saw an early rise again for “Brekky”. The Squad then headed down for Training, whilst the Referees had their briefing and Congress meeting.
The evening saw the hosting of the Senior Male & Female Team Kumite
Showcase, with the Teams being heralded out on parade. Once again, the “Haka” was performed, this time with the Fijian Team acting out their response to the Maori
chant. Quite a spectacle!
Saturday saw the start of the Individual Kumite and Kata events. Suddenly, there we were, Sunday. The day finished with the “Sayonara” Party, where everyone eat, drank and was merry, watching the weekends event on the large screens.
Monday saw an early rise also, with Hotel checkout at 11 and transfer to the Airport at 1.30 p.m., it was now time to do some last minute shopping.
Money spent, it was now sadly time to leave Wellington, New Zealand and it cost us $25 each to do so. Yes, an airport Tax to leave. I hate taxes!
We departed Wellington for Sydney on Monday 15th August around 3.50 p.m. and started our backward travel in time. From Sydney to Singapore where a heavy landing for a fuel stop, got us delayed for 3 hours for a tyre change and intercom problem.
Finally arriving at Heathrow 2 hours late with no Gate to crawl into, so another ½ hour on the tarmac yet again, before we could collect our baggage. Having virtually seen Tuesday twice and the start of Wednesday, it was a little disorientating to only be in the early evening of Tuesday. Strange one that!
We missed our National Express link and subsequently arrived home some hours later than expected, but couldn't care less. We had 4 Gold Medals 2 Silvers, 2 Bronze and a Team Bronze, plus lots of fond memories and a few new friends. It was a great trip and we look forward to the next one. Jet lag, what jet lag?
Paul Scott.