Over the weekend, Siler City became a focal point for taekwondo in the Southeast, playing host to 13 schools from a mix of states ranging from Georgia to North and South Carolina to Virginia and even to Cuba (attending virtually) in the 4th annual installment of the AFE Winter Games Tournament at A.F.E. Taekwondo Fitness Academy.
The tournament featured over 135 competitors participating in three events: poomsae (forms), sparring and board breaking, with USA Taekwondo and AAU-certified officials overseeing each event. It took place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. last Saturday.
A.F.E. Taekwondo and its competitors — ranging from ages 3 to 14 — had an impressive showing in the tournament, earning a total of 18 medals (10 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze) on the day.
The organizers from A.F.E. Taekwondo also strove to make the tournament a social event, creating a multicultural atmosphere with foods from a wide range of cultures and allowing competitors from a plethora of different backgrounds to interact with each other.
It was a day fueled by competition, community and passion for the art of taekwondo.
“A lot of planning, volunteer work, community support was needed to ensure the event was a success,” wrote Crystal Pike, mother of an A.F.E. student. “This type of activity and organization provides kids of all ages a way to learn discipline, confidence, self-defense, respect and much more. It helps mold our children to become great adults that give back to the community.”
Pike encouraged any individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring the students at A.F.E. Taekwondo to contact Antonio Ara, the studio’s owner, via email at afetkd@gmail.com or phone at 919-799-7500.