11th-March-2007

What a day, firstly we all met to depart from the Walmer Castle Pub full of anticipation and a belief that we would try and better our position last year, which was second overall by the way, we had made a decision however that we would depend solely on the students who train at GTS and not include Instructors this time round as a test to see how we have progressed over the year.
We also had 5 students who had not competed before, so this was their first competition and the we really did not expect them to pick up anything but some experience.
Unfortunately a few days before we started our journey our plans had to be changed , the team of 20 which had been submitted had 1 person who pulled out and we needed a replacement, we contacted Mr Snow, who kindly agreed for
Mr Adam Gardner to compete in his place, Adam was unfortunately like one or two more people on the day where really unwell, Reegan Mathews made an almighty effort to attend the competition showing true TKD spirit, setting an example to his fellow students, whilst Chief Instructor Mr Nicholas Gardner, although not competing as already stated, supported the event and worked to assist in refereeing on the day without complaint but loads of medication.
Lets get back to the competition.

We arrived a little tight for time and rushed to get sorted out to prepare for the days events, at the start of the competition we felt there was a nice touch for the younger students who were given a certificate of participation, a nice gesture we felt.
As a newly established club we were amazed at the fact that from the start of the competition Approx 9.30am to round about 5.00pm, we in fact lead the leader board and to be honest that in itself was an achievement for such a young school, a credit to all the students who had prepared so well and competed so furiously
All in all a good solid performance allowing for the fact that some of the people who we all felt would win their divisions did not have good days, as far as results where concerned, there was not one student who lost a decision which was not close, by close we mean could have gone their way on another day, so don't be disappointed there is always next time!
We are with out a doubt going from strength to strength and we hope this trend continues for many years to come.



We must also add that the decisions on the day where delivered in a honest and fair way and we feel that apart from one major mistake, which does and can happen now and then, we really had nothing to complain about on the day, shame really, we like a good old moan now and then.

SOUTH EAST OPENS 2007 LEADER BOARD
	Justin Duggan Collecting a well deserved Silver		Mark Peachey picking up his Silver, looking as happy as ever?
	Joe Stock collecting his very First Trophy, looking a bit puzzled Joe?		Mr Adam Gardner showing how not to smile, it must have been catching on the day
	Ben Baddeley, you would never guess he is happy here would you!		More or Less the GTS Team At last some happy faces, careful you should never enjoy yourselves, what ever next.

That is all the Pictures we have covering this event, if anyone has more footage, video or pictures etc please let us know and we can include the content on this page.

Report Mr Jeff Gardner