Kicking in for KidSport

For the past 20 years, it’s been an event that has allowed Legacy Tae Kwon Do to get their kicks for a good cause. On Saturday and Sunday at the 1st Choice Savings Centre at the University of Lethbridge, the Legacy Tae Kwon Do International Charity Tournament for KidSport celebrated its second decade of participation for a charitable cause.

In keeping with the international theme, participants from south of the border as well as one athlete from across the Atlantic descended on the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymasium, joining athletes from across Western Canada for the two-day event.

“This is the 20th year we’ve been running charity tournaments for KidSport and we’re happy to be able to continue to suport them and help younger people who don’t have access to the financial resources to get involved in any activity,” said Legacy Tae Kwon Do Master and tournament director Darin Gibson. “The majority of our athletes have come from western Canada. We had a really talented team of almost 30 people from Saskatchewan and another 20 or 30 people came up from the Tennessee and Arkansas area. We even have one competitor from Scotland who we’re happy made the trip. He was at our last event and he loved it so much he came back on his own.”

A portion of the funds raised for the event will be donated to KidSport, which helps underprivileged children gain access to organized sports.

In May of 2015, the event was a success with Legacy Tae Kwon Do presenting KidSport with a cheque for $15,000.

“We have tremendous community support from our sponsors who have helped offset many of the costs and help us to make the donations,” said Gibson. “We have an army of volunteers and really well-trained officials. The tournament has a reputation for being very well-organized and objective and unbiased judging. People come and they want to come back.”

As of early Sunday afternoon, the sparring events were wrapping up as athletes and spectators alike headed to to the southeast side of the gym for the board breaking event.

As the event was winding down, the locals had fared well, said Gibson.

“The competition has been fantastic. We’ve had very few injuries, great sportsmanship and great friendships have been made.”

For complete results for the Legacy Tae Kwon Do International Charity Tournament for KidSport visit