The second day of the 7th World Karate Championships in Weight Categories in Kielce began with the sounds of Japanese taiko drums and performances by Kielce Dance Theatre and trumpeter Kuba Kowalski. There was also a huge round of applause for the quarterfinalists and semifinalists of championships, who will today face off in the fight for medals. – I congratulate Poland for the high level of professionalism in the organization of this year’s championships – said Kenji Midori, President of the World Karate Organization.
The show was complemented by Maciej Siegieńczuk, dance music artist and sensei, who sang ‘Become the World Champion” song in three languages: Polish, English and Japanese.
-I hope that all of us gathered here today will be able to experience not only the true spirit of karate, but also some world-class techniques – emphasized Kenji Midori, President of the World Karate Organization.
Anna Krupka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, has in turn highlighted that the organization of such high-level championships in Kielce attracts the world’s attention to Poland. – The competition will hopefully strengthen the position of Poland on the world’s martial arts map, as well as help Kielce write a new chapter in the history of Polish sport.
Andrzej Piaseczny, Kielce-born singer and member of the Honorary Committee, did not doubt the audience was in for an entertaining show either. – Thank you for coming to our little homeland. We welcome you with open hearts and arms – he said.
-It is a huge honor for us that Poland was selected as the organizer of the 7th World Karate Championships in Weight Categories. I am thankful to President Kenji Midori for making such choice. I would also like to express my gratitude for many people, institutions and sponsors, without whom none of this would have happened, particularly the local administration of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship and the city of Kielce. I am also expressing my appreciation for the actions taken by the Honorary Committee headed by the Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism Anna Krupka – said shihan Remigiusz Karpiński, President of Polish Shinkyokushinkai Karate Organization. – Yet the organization of such a high-profile event does not solely come down to wanting to do something. It’s all about taking up the challenge and then performing an exceptionally hard work every single day. This is exactly what Polish Shinkyokushinkai Karate Organization, the Kielce Karate Sport Club and especially the Championships Organizing Committee led by Tomasz Kęćko and his family members Karina, Waldek, Krzysztof and Piotrek did. I wholeheartedly hope that our guests from over 50 countries will keep nice memories of Kielce and Poland. I wish for our contestants to remain in the best shape and fulfil their dreams. Moreover, I also hope our audience will experience some unforgettable emotions.