Please see attached  updated BULLETIN (02. 06.08.2018)  in respect of the forthcoming CKF championships in Durban South Africa

MESSAGE FROM THE CKF PRESIDENT

Dear Members of the Commonwealth Karate Family,
On behalf of the CKF Executive Committee I wish to welcome you to the 9th Commonwealth Karate Championships hosted by Karate South Africa. These Championships are the showcase of our sport within the Commonwealth and we are again all looking forward to another successful competition here in Durban.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karate South Africa as our hosts this year. I’m sure anybody who has ever been involved in preparing, organising and then actually running a karate event knows exactly how much work goes into making it a success – and from the work I have already seen I have no doubt this event will be a great success on every level. It is important to recognise and acknowledge the National Federations participating in the 2018 Commonwealth Karate Championships. Again, the success of the CKF is due to your support. I personally thank you for your on-going contribution to karate in the Commonwealth. An event such as this can only take place with an enormous amount of work, most of which is quietly achieved behind the scenes, and I express my appreciation to all those who have contributed in one way or another. I wish to especially acknowledge all the volunteers who work tirelessly for the benefit of karate across the Commonwealth. The success of any event is largely dependent on the skill, dedication and integrity of the referees and officials. Once again, I acknowledge the leadership of our Referees’ Commission. Our referees and officials have repeatedly demonstrated a genuine commitment to the highest levels of ethics and sportsmanship and the CKF is a much better organisation because they have all chosen this honourable path.

I offer my congratulations to the coaches who have painstakingly guided their athletes to their current levels. I give you my best wishes for the success at this event and thank you for your invaluable contributions. Also, I wish great success to all competitors. I hope you achieve your goals and I personally congratulate for what you have achieved thus far in representing your country.
I am extremely proud to confirm Karate’s inclusion into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic program. Finally, our athletes have a pathway to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked tirelessly over the years to advocate for this historic decision. Furthermore, I can assure you all that the CKF Executive will continue to lobby for the inclusion of karate into the Commonwealth Games. The CKF EC hopes that in addition to the challenge of competition, you will find some time to explore the great city of Durban and its surrounding area, and that you will have an enjoyable experience in South Africa. In closing, I welcome you all – whether you are here as competitor, coach, referee, official or spectator – let us all engage and enjoy the benefits of competitive karate as well as the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play.

Yours in Karate-Do,

Mr Michael Kassis President – Commonwealth Karate Federation