36th European Junior & Cadet Championships, Paris, France 2009
Message from EKF President, Carl Lindley
Posted 3rd February 2009
The England Team has returned with 6 European Junior/Cadet Championship medals. They were in four further Bronze Medal fight-offs and suffered numerous close losses to ultimate medal winners. Not only did every member of this young squad show themselves capable of World Championships success, but they all conducted themselves with enormous dignity, sportsmanship and respect for their opponents. The team spirit was truly inspiring and the support for the English competitors louder than even that of the hosts, France. I feel very privileged to have been part of this event and the future of English Karate looks very bright indeed.
I would like to thank the Head Coach, Juliette Toney, Assistants, Greg Francis, Jonathan Mottram and Davin Pack, as well as Physiotherapist, Mo Surdhar and not least, chaperones, Debbie and Mark Sell, for their enormous efforts over the past week. Our thanks also go to Chikara Ltd for sponsoring the team tracksuits for these european championships. I would also like to specially thank Jel, our Website Manager, for keeping all our supporters informed of every part of the event in such a prompt and professional manner.
Carl Lindley, President, English Karate Federation