The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Tae Kwon Do Provincial Black Belt Team returned home on Monday, June 1 from Montreal after competing at the Canadian National Championships.

Tara Mitchelmore from Corner Brook retained her Canadian National Fin Weight Title by winning the gold medal. Tara remains on the Canadian National Team and will now travel to Havana, Cuba, on October 3 to 6 to represent Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada at the Pan AM Tae Kwon Do Championships.

Judy Cantwell from Cantwell Tae Kwon Do, St. John's, won the bronze medal in the Ladies Middle Weight Division.

The rest of the Newfoundland Labrador Tae Kwon Do Association Black Belt Team did very well as Krystle Gilliam from Stephenville lost a very close decision after she was deducted two half points from her score and lost one nothing to a competitor from Ontario. Quebec won the overall championship with Ontario finishing in second place.

Master Wayne Simon, head of the provincial team, went on to say there were over 450 competitors at the championships and he was very proud of his team. Next year's championships will be held in Ontario with the junior nationals taking place in Montreal at dates to be announced later. He would like to thank all people who help raised money to get the team there and especially the parents who went along for support.

Contact: Master Wayne Simon, (709) 643-3340.

1996 07 03   12:15 a.m.