The 2010 World Championship Tournament was a tremendous success! Hundreds of participants from all over the United States as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, and Uruguay converged upon Little Rock, Arkansas for an action packed week of seminars, training, testing, and competition.

The official kick off of “Worlds Week” began with a press event held at the Statehouse Convention Center Atrium on Monday. Honored guest, Mayor of Little Rock, Mark Stodola named June 21 American Taekwondo Association Day in Little Rock. Other distinguished speakers were Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, Mrs. Sun C. Lee, Mr. Lucas Taekwon Lee, and Chief Master Richard Anderson. In attendance were students of Chief Master Anderson’s ATA school as well as kids of all ages enrolled in his life-changing “Camp Positive”. The audience was treated to a lively performance by Chief Master Anderson’s group as well as an impressive exhibition by Senior Master Kathy Lee’s demonstration team.

Following the press event, the ATA was showered with media attention throughout the week. With numerous mentions, features, and interviews on local radio and television stations as well as feature stories in Arkansas’ flagship newspaper, the World Championship Tournament was the talk of the town!

Wednesday marked the inaugural partnership of the American Taekwondo Association and American Red Cross. In the Songahm spirit of service and giving back to the community, the ATA pledged a lofty donation goal of 100 units. Although the Red Cross is still confirming the final count, we are pleased to announce that through the generosity of ATA instructors, students, and staff the goal was met and surpassed!

The 2010 Opening Ceremony, held at the Verizon Arena on Friday night, was the best to date by many accounts! In addition to the thousands in attendance, approximately 350 people viewed the event via the Live-Streaming feed at www.ATAonDemand.com, and close to 700 followed along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ata.songahm.tkd.

The theme of the 2010 Opening Ceremony was Determination Destination, Attendees at the event were introduced to four ATA members who credit their ATA training with helping them achieve great things in their lives. Each talked about the discipline ATA training has given them to set a goal – their destination as well as the determination that’s required to reach it.

The highlight of each story was their attempt of reaching an ambitious martial arts goal they had set for themselves prior to the Opening Ceremonies event. The audience cheered as each one realized his or her destination on stage. The hope is that all ATA students will be inspired to make their own personal goal and accomplish it with the support of their friends, family and instructor. Go to www.ataonline.com/determination to see these inspirational stories showcased at Opening Ceremonies and make a pledge of your own.

Induction of new Masters is always a highlight of Opening Ceremonies, and this year was no exception. Five were inducted as Chief Masters, four as Senior Masters, and 23 as Masters. Three delegates were sworn into the Masters Council and most importantly Chief Master In Ho Lee was named Grand Master Nominee. He will spend the next 12 months preparing for his new role and touring with Grand Master Soon Ho Lee. Keep checking www.ataonline.com for more news on the tour, or keep up with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ata.songahm.tkd.

If you weren’t able to attend Opening Ceremonies or would like to relive any of the special and spectacular moments, the commemorative DVD will be available soon for $20.99. The cost includes shipping and handling. A portion of the proceeds will go to the H.U. Lee Memorial Foundation which provides college scholarships to ATA students. The DVD can be ordered from the ATA website. Just look for the online order form and reserve your copy today!

Competitions held on Saturday and Sunday launched the 2010 Tournament Season. Congratulations to the new World Champions as well as all those who achieved Top Ten status! To everyone who will be participating in the regional and national competitions throughout the year, ATA wishes you the best of luck. For all the upcoming tournament dates, be sure to check out www.ataonline.com.

As exciting and inspiring as World Championship Tournament was, the Songahm nation still has a special event to look forward to this year. The 2010 Fall Nationals will be held in Orlando, Florida, October 20-23 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Resort.