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Board Members: Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, David Gabbard, Kelly Markham, Carol Burris, Jerry Smith, Mike Lewis, Don Bordinger, Sandra Strong Honorary Board Members: Maurice Msarsa, Bruce Guillaume |
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What another great Youth Tournament! This year was one of our best years ever. Kids came from all over to compete, the stands were packed with parents and supporters, the day ran smoothly with not so much as even a hiccup, dojos turned out in record numbers, we had many kids and adults sign-up for the IIKA as new members, and the seminar at the start of the day was fantastic.
On that note, we’d like to extend a very warm and special “Thank you” to Art Palmer and Tony Williams for serving as seminar instructors. As always, they did a wonderful job. A special highlight to the day was the award presentation of the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Outstanding Contribution Award to Dave Park. Mr. Park was scheduled to receive the award at this year’s HOF Banquet, however, due to a mix-up his award was mistakenly given to someone else. Additionally, Mr. Park was presented with an American Flag that was flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in his honor. He received the Flag along with the Certificate of Authenticity signed by the head of the Capitol Police Department. Mr. JC Burris, Mr. Scott Shamblin and Mr. Wayne Wayland were on-hand as Isshinryu Hall of Fame Board Representatives to present Mr. Park’s award. Also present was Mr. Park’s instructor, Mr. Kelly Markham.  Sandra Strong and Tony Williams were presented with Plaques of Appreciation for their tireless efforts to make the Youth Tournament a resounding success. No one works longer or harder than they do to make this event one of the IIKA’s most successful tournaments. Mr. Harold Mitchum was a special guest of the tournament and is pictured (left to right) with Mr. Scott Shamblin, Mr. Tommy True, IIKA President, Mr. Harold Mitchum, Mr. JC Burris, Head of the IIKA, and Mr. Wayne Wayland.  All-in-all, it was a day of great competition among the kids, smooth sailing, camaraderie, fellowship and fun. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a win-win event; Pete and Angie at the Front Desk, the IIKA Board for its focus on our younger competitors, Black Belts who donated their time as Judges, spectators who participated as Time Keepers and Score Keepers, friends and family as supporters and our seminar instructors, Art Palmer and Tony Williams. Thanks to everyone for participating, and see you next year! Sincerely, IIKA Staff |