Deborah Doyle, a 12 year-old second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador recently, won gold and silver at the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championships in Orlando, Florida. Deborah competed in both Poomsae (forms) and Sparring � taking a gold medal in Poomsae and silver in Sparring in her weight class.

Deborah is a student of the Newfoundland and Labrador Tae Kwon Do Academy and at age eight became the youngest certified female black belt in North America. She is also a multi-time Canadian junior champion and a two-time recipient of the Premier�s Athletic Award.

Master Tony Nippard, provincial team coaching chair states, "We are thrilled with Deborah�s performance at the U.S. Open. As a member of the provincial team, Deborah has consistently excelled with every challenge she has faced in the sport of Tae Kwon Do. Her accomplishments have demonstrated her commitment and training to the sport and highlight the incredible talent we have available in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Held at the Orlando Convention Centre on February 15-18, the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championships involved 1,100 participants from 59 countries and was organized by USA Tae Kwon Do.

The Newfoundland and Labrador WTF Tae Kwon Do Association promotes and develops the Olympic sport of Tae Kwon Do, and also serves as the official Provincial Sport Organization for Tae Kwon Do in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

-30-

Media contacts:

2007 02 28                                                  11:45 a.m.