1,000 jins from 600 clubs vie in inter-school tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Around 1,000 athletes from 600 institutions nationwide will vie for honors in the 2009 Smart national inter-school taekwondo championships tomorrow and Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“This event gives our young, upcoming jins the chance to demonstrate what they have learned so far as they compete in different categories,” said Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado.

Among the schools and universities participating in the tournament sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Smart Communications, PLDT and Milo are De La Salle University-Taft, Araneta, Zobel, Lipa and Dasmariñas, College of St. Benilde, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of the East, San Beda-Alabang, Mendiola and Taytay, Letran, Don Bosco Makati and Mandaluyong, St. Theresa’s College, Lourdes School Mandaluyong and Quezon City, OBMC, University of Batangas, PNP Academy, PMA, Diliman Preparatory School, School of St. Anthony, St. Vincent School, UPIS and Rizal High.

According to organizing committee chair Sung Chon Hong, competition will be conducted in the senior, junior and grade school divisions for male and female jins who will be categorized into novice and advanced.

Hong points out that many of the country’s taekwondo stars honed their skills through their participation in the inter-school tourney.

Action starts at 9 a.m.