Clubs fight it out during charity night

Dec 20 2006 Wirral News

TAEKWONDO teams from across the region held a fight night to help raise more than £2,500 for the cancer research unit at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Members of the Richard Saunders Wirral and Chester Schools of Taekwondo joined others from clubs, including North Wales Tae KwonDo, West Kirby, Ellesmere Port and Neston, to provide 24 teams for the bout at Tranmere Rovers Football Club.

The atmosphere around the mat was electric as more than 400 spectators crammed into the arena for the event, which was organised by Wirral and Chester Chief Instructor Richard Saunders.

The teams were split into divisions according to grade, age and gender.

Wirral and Chester teams soon made an impact by winning the junior boys' coloured belt divisions, the junior girls' black belt divisions and ladies black belt division.

They also gave an exceptional account of themselves in all the other grades.

Richard Saunders said: "All of our students have done fantastically well, both in their skills and their attitudes.

"We've been working hard towards this event and it's great that we can showcase some of our talent while raising money for a good cause."

The event also featured a light hearted demo, a raffle of some signed footballs from Everton and Tranmere and Jason McAteer made an appearance to present the junior awards.

Mr Saunders added: "The whole night was a great success, with everyone enjoying themselves and raising atotal of £2600 for the charity.

"We would like to thank all the clubs and spectators and the people involved in the event, especially to all the Wirral and Chester team members."

* Anyone wanting to learn more about TaeKwon-Do or find a club near you can contact Richard Saunders on 512-6521.

RESULTS (Wirral & Chester team): Girls Colour Belt - 3rd, Boys Colour Belt - 1st, Girls Black Belt - 1st, Boys Black Belt - 2nd, Ladies Colour Belt - 2nd, Ladies Black Belt - 1st, Men's Colour Belt - 2nd, Men's Black Belt - 2nd.