Harewood College host Kurash competition
The 2012 World Junior and Cadet Kurash Championships is being held at Harewood College in Bournemouth this weekend (27th-28th October) with the help of Avonbourne College, and will see 200 young competitors from 25 countries around the world taking part.
Kurash originates from Uzbekistan and is a form of Judo whereby competitors must remain on their feet at all times, unless engaging in a throw. Harewood College, a Youth Sport Trust Partner School, is using the sport as an opportunity to engage pupils across the curriculum and the championship is the final event of the school's week-long showcase of the history, language and culture of Uzbekistan.
Debbie Godfrey-Paure, Executive Headteacher at Harewood College, said: "The opportunity to host the World Kurash Championships has brought an excitement and energy to our local community. It showcases the diversity of sport and highlights the opportunities sport offers to transcend the barriers of cultural difference, uniting young people in a unique global citizenship."
Harewood College hopes the event will continue to inspire their pupils, following London 2012. John Greetham, Assistant Headteacher, said: "The school is very excited and proud to be hosting this prestigious event, especially in a British Olympic year. Through it we want to give our young people a taste of the inspiration that the Olympics and Paralympics can offer. We hope to make memories that will last a life time and experiences that will educate across the curriculum."
The teams are represented by young people from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, as well as Botswana, New Zealand and The Dominican Republic, who will compete in two age categories: Cadet (15-16 year olds) and Junior (17-19 year olds). Great Britain will also have a team competing.
Paul Sawyer, Event Organiser, said: "This will be a very tough event for Great Britain, but I am hopeful for 2 or 3 medals. Our friends from Uzbekistan have an awesome team and they will be closely followed by the teams from Eastern European and Central Asia; competition will be red hot!"
