Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Chika Chukwumerije has achieved another first for Nigeria as the Beijing Olympic bronze medalist has been certified by the World Taekwondo (WT) as one of the pioneer global educators. Chukwumerije who was among the selected 28 technical officials from 24 countries gained the certification following the completion […]
via World Taekwondo Certifies Chukwumerije As Global Educator — finixsportsblog
Kevin Mayer had already established himself as a combined events superstar, but the French all-rounder elevated his status to an all-time great by smashing the decathlon world record in Talence on Sunday (16). Had it not been for his three fouls in the decathlon long jump at last month’s European Championships in Berlin, Mayer most […]
via WITH 9126 WORLD RECORD, MAYER JOINS LIST OF ALL-TIME GREAT DECATHLETES — finixsportsblog
…As NTF explores possibility of introducing Taekwondo The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation visited the “Farm Center” internally displaced persons [IDP] camp in Maiduguri, Borno state over the weekend. The objective of the visit was to distribute some Taekwondo equipment and explore the possibility of introducing Taekwondo to a couple of the IDP camps. During the visit, […]
via Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Inspires Kids At IDP Camp In Maiduguri — newfanzoneblog
Twelve states across the country were able to meet the deadline and they have also been confirmed for the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Taekwondo Prix Series II holding on June 9 to10 at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja. Host – Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja will be joined by Niger, Benue, Plateau, Lagos, […]
via 12 States Confirm For CCSF Taekwondo Prix Series II — newfanzoneblog
After going through the coaching certification and exposed to the changes made to the rules guiding taekwondo worldwide, triple Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije believes Nigeria taekwondo community must align with the changes in the sport. After obtaining World Taekwondo Federation/ Pan American Taekwondo Union Coach Permit at the end of the two-day coaching certification g course, […]
via Nigeria Must Align With New Taekwondo Rules – Chika Chukwumerije — newfanzoneblog
The 4th edition of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Opens is set to return on the 27th and 28th October 2017 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. The bi-annual event is one of the top Taekwondo tournaments in the West African region and has been credited to exposing many recent […]
via CCSF International Taekwondo Open Returns — newfanzoneblog
Having tasted what it means to be a champion and the hurdles to make the podium at the Olympic Games, founder of Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF), Chika Chukwumerije believes the road to stardom is still far for the four-man team that made Nigeria proud at the 8th Korean Cup Teakwondo Championships. The 2008 Beijing […]
via The journey Is Still Far For Team CCSF – Chukwumerije — newfanzoneblog
In continuation of its programme, the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Taekwondo Team, made up of mostly secondary school students from Government Schools, will be heading to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria to train with the University Team, coached by two-time National Champion, three-time University Champion and Internationally Certified Coach, Alhaji Sani Lawal.
The event is scheduled to take place from 18th-20th March 2016 at the ABU indoor hall, and will have a total of five training segments covering: general fitness, technical-tactical training, taekwondo basics, competitive training and video analysis methodology.
According to the Team Manager for TEAM CCSF, Nicholas Olowo, “the purpose of the program is to inspire athletes and exchange vital training methodologies using the latest daedo electronic technologies”
For Vice-Captain of TEAM CCSF, 18-year old Peter Itiku of Government Secondary School, Garki, it is yet another exciting opportunity for the students.
“I have never been to Kaduna in my life, and now taekwondo is taking me there. We have been consistently training 4 times a week for almost a year, and we are excited to go and practice with university students in a city we have never visited”
Turning her eyes to other benefits of the trip, 14-year old Bukola Ogunnusi, the youngest member of the team explained.
“I have learnt so much in the past year, not only with regards to taekwondo, but other things. For instance, prior to this trip, we held a meeting and had to brainstorm on everything needed for this trip – personal equipment, general equipment, number of persons and project every possible cost like accommodation, transportation, feeding etc. This is new for me, and learning how to be organized has been very helpful to my general studies”
Coach of ABU Taekwondo team is looking forward to welcoming the youngsters.
“I think that this is probably the first time in Taekwondo that a project to connect secondary school youngsters directly with university players is being undertaken. More projects like this undertaken over the years will ensure an early and effective transfer of knowledge to a new generation. We look forward to ensuring the success of this program”
Three-time Olympian, and CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije emphasized the importance of this project.
“We did not have this kind of opportunities as 15 and 16 year olds but this is the right time to simulate these youngsters. Exposing them early is important to fire their Tokyo 2020 Olympic dream, and guide them towards a golden harvest in the next 2019 All Africa Games.”
Commenting further, the former African Champion noted that,
“Most of them are taking WAEC, but we have taught them consistently how to combine their sports and education. This skill will be vital in the university system and we hope that this three-day program will also give the youngsters a feel of the university system before they get in.
The organizers thanked the FCT Secondary Education Board and the authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University for their support.
200 kids/students across the country have confirmed their attendance of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open taking place at the Brickhall School, Abuja on Saturday December 5.
The event, which is sanctioned by the FCT Taekwondo Association and supported by the Board of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), has kids from schools and clubs across FCT and the seven states in the North Central part of Nigeria are expected at the event.
Clubs from other states like Benue State, Imo State, Cross River, and Kaduna have also indicated interest in being part of the program.
According to an official statement released by the organizers, the objective of the event is to “Produce prospective future Olympians and World Champions; Expose kids to the latest technological gadgets and technical experience available in the sport; Build the confidence and experience of the kids through competitive experience; and Foster a healthy social interaction between kids from different communities.
According to the program coordinator, Kemi Isaac, who is an officer with the NSCDC and a Taekwondo Black-Belt practitioner, “The kids deserve the exact same attention and opportunities given to the adults during the highly successful edition held 4 weeks ago, as the kids are the future Olympians and World Champions that must be groomed from today”
For the Proprietor of Brickhall School, Senator Joy Emodi, the event is a game-changer. “There is no parent who will not be excited for their wards practicing taekwondo to be part of a quality program like this. The importance of ensuing that extra-curricular activities like sports are intertwined with the education of our children to solidify their development and improve their social skills cannot be over-emphasized.”
For Chief Executive Officer of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, who is a 3-time Olympian and a Beijing 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist, the emphasis is on exposing the young ones at a young age to increase Nigeria’s chances of getting more Olympians in the future.
“It is a special event because the kids are going to be using the same Daedo electronic system being used at the RIO 2016 Olympics, and the sky will truly be their limit is we sustain this kind of programme over the next 10 years”
The annual Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Opens may become a World Taekwondo Federation may (WTF) Grade 1 event in 2016.
With this status, the tournament would become a point hauling event for athletes across the globe as taekwondists are expected to use the tournament to up their world ranking.
Being the first tournament in Africa to use the electronic head gear, the CCSF championship has continued to attract the best fighters on the continent with countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger Republic, Togo, Cameroun and Senegal taking part in this year’s tournament.
Efforts are on by the organizers of the CCSF Open to apply for the status from the world taekwondo ruling body.
![Mali’s Golden Star, Karamoko Soumare, stands heads above Silver Medallist, Temitope Oyo [Nigeria National Team] and Bronze Medallists, Sunday Onofe [Nigeria National Team] and [MALI] during the medal ceremony for the +80kg category at the just concluded 3rd CCSF Opens](https://finixsports.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/mali_s-golden-star-karamoko-soumare-stands-heads-above-silver-medallist-temitope-oyo-nigeria-national-team-and-bronze-medallists-sunday-onofe-nigeria-national-team-and-mali-e1446672548870.jpg)
For the best athlete of this year’s tournament, Mali’s Karamoko Soumare (+80kg), attending the tournament has really exposed him to world class equipment which would aid him in subsequent tournaments.
“Having attended series of tournament across Africa, I realized that CCSF tournament stands out in terms of organization and quality of equipment. The atmosphere was also superb. Being my first time of taking part in the competition, I think the knowledge I acquired would be helpful to me in other international tournaments and I look forward to taking part in more CCSF tourneys,” the Malian star said.
Soumare who won gold in the men’s heavyweight category believes the quality of athletes in Nigeria is enormous while blaming their under-achievement on lack of exposure of most of their athletes. “I respect Nigerian athletes particularly with the pedigree of their athletes, but they have not been able to use this to their advantage at international tournaments. We attend a lot of international tournaments but I hardly see Nigerians competing and this has really affected their rating globally. But attending international competition is vital for any nation to improve her athletes,” he added.
Also silver medalist at the CCSF Opens, Cameroun’s Kamgue Silvre hailed the organizers for putting the colourful tournament together, which he described as a world class championship. “I am surprised with the quality of organization as well as the atmosphere which is of international standard. I am indeed looking forward to the next edition because I have been able to up my skills as well as improve my rating among the best fighters in Africa. Winning silver will surely improve my chance of representing my country at the Olympics qualifiers come 2016. When the tournament gets the WTF G-1 rating, I believe more athletes within and outside Africa will be part of the tournament,” Kamgue, winner of the fair play award said.
Impressed with the ingenuity and immense contribution of Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) to taekwondo development and promotion, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has promised to enter into a four-year strategic partnership with the foundation.
However, the 3rd CCSF International Taekwondo Open witnessed a large turnout of athletes across the continent with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dominating the eight events competed for at the two-day championship.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the championship held at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Director General of NSC, Alhassan Yakmut said with what CCSF has been doing in terms of its programmes, it is clear that the foundation’s has been able to champion the ideals of the commission.
“I am convinced beyond any doubt that CCSF has done a lot to promote and develop taekwondo in Nigeria. For us at the NSC, we want to partner organizations like this because they are doing things that are in line with our vision. The atmosphere at this year’s tournament is what obtains globally in terms of international standard and I don’t think any reasonable person will not be impressed with what they have seen here tonight. Apart from the tournament, they have had workshops and other developmental activities to support the upcoming athletes. With this, NSC will be entering into a four-year strategic partnership with CCSF to champion the development and promotion of taekwondo which is an Olympic sport in Nigeria. So from 2016, the collaboration will take off with NSC fully supporting the foundation in all its activities,” Alhassan said.
After two days of competitive action, NSCDC confirmed why it is committed to sports in Nigeria when its athletes dominated the medals table at the 3rd CCSF Open concluded at the weekend.
NSCDC amassed four gold, one silver and four bronze medals to beat Mali and Niger Republic to second and third places on the medal table.
Mali again showed why it remains of the taekwondo power house in Africa when the two inspired by Soumare Karamoko won two gold and two bronze medals while Niger Republic won same number of gold with one silver and one bronze medals.
From the 284 athletes that featured in the competition which has the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-certified referees handling proceedings, Mali’s Karamoko was voted the best male athlete while NSCDC’s Chinazum Nwosu won the best female diadem.
Cameroun’s sole representative who fought his way into the final in the men’s -80kg to clinch silver medal won the fair play award for his sportsmanship during the final match, which he lost to NSCDC’s Segun Olushola. Youthful Thursdaline Peter was adjudged the most outstanding referee of the championship.
Power house in taekwondo in Africa, Mali, Togo and Niger Republic are among the first teams to arrive as the city of power, Abuja comes alive for the 3rd Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Opens which begins on Saturday October 24.
The Malian team was the first foreign continent to arrive for the two-day tournament while Togo and Niger Republic have also continued their training in Abuja in readiness for the competition while others are expected to arrive on Friday October 23.
Also, the invited World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-certified referees from Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Niger Republic, Mali and Senegal are expected to arrive on Friday for the draw.
Registration of athletes commenced on Thursday October 22 at the Korean Cultural Centra in Abuja.
Over 300 athletes across Africa and Nigeria are taking part in the competition with Olympics equipment expected to be deployed for the tournament.
“At this year’s CCSF Open, there are lots of innovation and first is the technology being used – the Daedo Electronic Head Gear. The 1st edition of this tournament was the first tournament ever in Nigeria to use the Daedo Electronic Body gear, which inspired all other tournaments to follow suit in Nigeria. Now this will be the first event in Africa to use the Electronic Head Gear.
This gear was not even used in the just concluded All Africa Games. Thus, the fact that we are using the latest technology is a huge pull for Africa countries, especially given the fact that the Olympic qualification tournament to be held in February 2016 in Morocco will be using this same equipment,” said the founder of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije.
To make the tournament a mixture of sports and entertainment, the Beijing 2008 Olympics medalist said: “The entire ambience of the competition venue will be such that persons who have never seen or done taekwondo before will have a lot to talk about long after the event is finished. The ambience of diversity of activities planned around the hall will be major talking point for spectators and participants alike.”
According to the triple Olympian, “This event has been designed to be a truly unique sports entertainment event, as against being just a taekwondo event. Other events planned to run concurrently is a mini table tennis event, and a Play Station 4 FIFA Football event to make it a truly family event. It would be capped off with a musical concert on the third day that would take place alongside an award ceremony for the medalists.”
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