I am so very proud to have run two extremely satisfying and successful Oceania Taekwondo Online Poomsae Championships in 2020 and 2021 during the chaotic times surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Championships were able to motivate over a thousand taekwondo poomsae players not just from the Oceania region but all over the world to stay active and compete on an international forum.

The first Oceania Taekwondo Online Poomsae Championships was aimed at motivating as many players as possible by including Para sport classes for the very first time. Participating from the safety of their own home and by focusing on their favourite sport, taekwondo, kept their minds away from the uncertainties happening around the world. 

We were able to do this by modifying the rules of the competition to elevate the fun elements of the sport and dropping the intensity but still adhering to the rules of taekwondo poomsae judging. 

All international poomsae referees that were engaged were given a crash course of intense training with the brand-new online competition system created for the new realm that is online poomsae competition.

I was quite overwhelmed to see so many competitors participating with enthusiasm as could be seen by their performances.  The venues used for the video recordings of the competitors’ performances ranged from indoors in the comfort of their lounge or dining rooms, car garages, driveways, even rooftops and open parklands. 

May 30 heralded the conclusion of the second Oceania Taekwondo Online Poomsae Championships. This was the first time that an online poomsae event contained a G2 ranking sanctioned by World Taekwondo, and the first online event to include the National Para players in the team. 

In combining the 2021 Oceania Taekwondo G2 Poomsae/Para Poomsae Championships (G2 All National Teams Poomsae Championships) and the Oceania Open Online Poomsae, mixed poomsae, Para poomsae, Para free style and flying side kick events provided for an all-inclusive competition for players from around the world of all grades and all skill levels. 

The introduction of Para free style in an Online Poomsae Championships was a world first.  The event allowed Para free style athletes no restrictions on the taekwondo techniques performed, if the athlete’s techniques were within the boundary of taekwondo, contained music, and was between 20 and 60 seconds long. 

The joy on the faces of the Para athletes as they performed their routines stirred up such emotion that it created a huge lump in my throat making the whole experience one not to be forgotten.

As a female figurehead in taekwondo, my passion for the sport gave me the desire to assist others who are less fortunate. I wanted them to have the same opportunities that I had to achieve the rewards and benefits that taekwondo can offer.

As a result, I would like to introduce my next project happening on August 14 to 22.  It is open to all members of the global taekwondo community. Participation in this upcoming event is all about having fun and at the same time showing support to help underprivileged and disadvantaged children and families through the GCS (Global Common Society) International non-governmental organisation.

The very first 2021 GCS ALL for charity Online Taekwondo Open is the first online Taekwondo open event to donate the FULL proceeds to charity. This friendly event is for players ranging from under-eight years to over-70 and all skill levels.  The event will include kyorugi kicking, poomsae, Para-taekwondo, free Style, as well as family poomsae.

I believe that one may be able to build a happy and long life through a healthy body and a healthy mind via the practise of sport.  I hope this will motivate even more taekwondo players, especially those who have never competed, to participate and perform knowing that it is not just taekwondo they are doing but playing their part in assisting other human beings who are less fortunate.

I would like to leave you with one of my favourite quotes. It is by the renowned author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar: "You never know when a helping hand will change another person’s entire life."