Top karate talent from across Western Hemisphere gather in Montreal this
August

MONTREAL, June 23 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 400 of the best karateka from across the Americas will converge on Montreal from August 20 to 22 for the XXI Junior Karate Championships 2010, to be held at the Claude Robillard Center. Organizers expect to welcome more than 4,000 visitors and participants to the site during the three days of intense competition, and many more through the webcast offered at the official website: www.pkfjunior.com.

"There is no better way to gain insight into the strength of character and the camaraderie between these athletes than with this event," said Rebecca Khoury, president of Karate Canada. "Through this type of international competition, we're in a better position to showcase the benefits of our sport, which include self-confidence, discipline, and respect for others; values that can help us build a better future."

With the help of partners, sponsors and volunteers, Karate Canada has planned a series of activities to introduce people to the value and richness of the sport. Activities will take place at the Sheraton Center and will include a sport/science conference, a women's leadership conference, a women's officiating seminar as well as a workshop for athletes with disability. A special seminar, Fit4Defense, has also been added to the schedule on Monday, August 23 for members of the karate community who want to help others gain self-confidence and improve their physical conditioning through karate.

A complete schedule is available at www.pkfjunior.com.

"We estimate there are more than 60,000 people in Canada who, at any given point in time, practice the sport of Karate," said Khoury. "While we can accommodate close to 3,500 at the Claude Robillard Center, we want to offer an opportunity to follow the action from home to all followers, athletes and their families."

Opening ceremonies will take place on Friday, August 20 at 9 a.m. Competition will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are available for sale at www.pkfjunior.com and vary between $20 for one day ticket or $50 for three day passes.

For further information: William Samman, Torchia Communications, [phone] Ext: 213, [email protected]; François-David Rouleau, Torchia Communications, [phone] Ext: 222, [email protected]