BURNABY, BC, Canada (April 12, 2016): A two-member delegation representing the World Taekwondo Federation has given Burnaby thumbs up in its preparations for the 2016 World Taekwondo Junior Championships, which are to be held November 16-20 at Bill Copeland Sports Centre. The event is being presented by Tourism Burnaby and the City of Burnaby and is expected to bring 800+ athletes (males and females) ages 14-17 years from 110+ countries. In addition to the athletes, it is anticipated that 500 coaches and team support members will also attend, as well as the presidents of the national taekwondo federations of participating countries.

It will be one of the largest multicultural sport events in Canada this year.

Following a two-day site inspection, the designated World Taekwondo Federation officials—Secretary General Hoss Rafaty and Grand Master Inseon Kim—told the local organizing committee they were pleased with the facility, the location and the progress to date.

City of Burnaby Councillor Paul McDonell, chair of the local organizing committee said, “The delegates were pleased with the hotel setup and with Fortius Sport & Health (which will be the primary athlete training facility), and with our readiness to host the event, still being almost eight months out from the start of the event.”

McDonell, along with Tourism Burnaby Executive Director Nancy Small and Managing Director of the Korean Cultural Heritage Society of BC Michael Suk, who are both members of the local organizing committee, travelled to Mexico City in early December to successfully bid for the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in a formal presentation to the World Taekwondo Federation.

The event is expected to generate a $4 million economic impact in Burnaby and throughout the Province.

It is expected that athletes and their teams will start arriving for the event in early November.