The 2023 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships were officially unveiled Friday at the opening press conference of the event.
Headed by Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou and chaired by EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, the opening press conference showcased the unity and camaraderie of the participants in the continental championships this weekend in Larnaca.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós said:
“The Cypriot Karate Federation is the perfect example of a National Federation that regardless of its size, can overcome difficulties and achieve many accomplishments through hard work and resilience.
“It is a pleasure to come to Cyprus because here we can further note the popularity of our sport. Karate is a universal sport and events like this EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, National Federations like the one in Cyprus, and leaders like Andreas Vasileiou help us to continue our progress.”
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós (right) and Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou
Cyprus Karate Federation president Andreas Vasileiou said:
“It is an honour, a privilege, and a great responsibility to host the 50th European Karate Championships for Cadets, Junior and U21 here in Larnaca. The management of the Cyprus Karate Federation has worked hard to achieve a successful organization for all delegations arriving in Larnaca.
“This event has registered successful participation with 48 countries and 1136 athletes. The Executive Committee of the Cyprus Karate Federation and especially myself deeply thank the EKF President Antonio Espinos for his trust in CKF to organize such a big event in Larnaca.”
The President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Andreas Michaelidis said during the opening ceremony:
“It is very important for Cyprus and its sport to host important events such as this one. The Cyprus Sports Organization supports and will support these efforts. Congratulations to the Cyprus Karate Federation for hosting this successful European Karate Cadet, Junior & U21 Championship with the participation of 48 countries and 1136 athletes.”
The Vice-president of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Kostakis Koukkoulis said:
“It is an honour for our city to host so many athletes from so many different countries. We are happy to support a federation that is promoting our country by organising big international events like the one we have here this weekend.”
The Treasurer of the Cyprus Olympic Committee Alexandros Christoforou said:
“On behalf of the Cypriot Olympic Committee, I want to welcome all of you to Larnaca. I was in Limassol last year (for the Karate 1-Youth League tournament) and I could witness a fantastic event there. I am looking forward to seeing a great Karate competition here again.”
The Major of Larnaca Andreas Vyras said:
“I am proud that the EKF chose our city to organise this event. I would like all the participants to feel at home in Larnaca and if you ever decide to come to our city again, Larnaca will always have open doors for Karate.”
(Top picture: the President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Andreas Michaelides, the Vice-President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Kostakis Koukkoulis, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, and Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou.)