Photo By Jessica Tackaberry | Head Coach Master Sgt. Kevin Williams and members of the Armed Forces Taekwondo Team...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa.-- If today’s military comprises only a small percentage of our country’s population, there is much to be said about the even smaller fraction of military service members on the Armed Forces Taekwondo Team. This exclusive group of military martial artists represents some of the finest the U.S. military has to offer, both abroad in international competitions and nationally.
Presently, 16 service members are fighting their way through the Armed Forces Taekwondo trial camp, which began Sept. 14 and will end Sept. 29. During the two-week camp, the contenders will train and ultimately fight for places on the team. The camp will also help to decide who competes at the Conseil International du Sport Militaire’s 21st World Military Taekwondo Championship from Oct. 19-26.
The WMTC will bring the Armed Forces team all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to compete against military athletes from as many as 133 of CISM’s member countries.
Competitions like these not only give service members more opportunities to showcase their talent and dedication, but also improve relations with other countries, said Armed Forces Taekwondo Head Coach Master Sgt. Kevin Williams.
"Friendship through sports is the main concept of the competition,” said Williams. “And this overall gives these service members another chance to serve their country and make a difference.”
Though the team trains for triumphs overseas, many of its successes are achieved right here in the states.
Between grueling training sessions, participants in the trial camp made time for local senior citizens Sept. 22 in support of Active Aging Week. They participated in Zumba dance-fitness exercises, Wii bowling and other activities in an effort to involve seniors of nearby Harrisburg in healthy physical activities.
Stephanie Tichnor, a volunteer manager for Active Aging Week, said one of the main goals of the effort is to socialize and exercise local seniors. She added that such volunteer efforts prevent seniors from having to “sit at home alone.”
Whether or not the men and women of the Armed Forces Taekwondo Team take home the gold in Ho Chi Minh, their efforts at home will still be enough to name them hometown heroes all the same.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2012 14:38 |
| Story ID: | 95464 |
| Location: | ANNVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 305 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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