VI International Wushu Championship, organized by Wushu Association of Baltic and Nordic Countries, had been held in St-Petersburg, Russia, on February 24-26, 2006, with more 150 athletes from 7 countries participated.
For the first time, the team from USA took part of the competitions - the athletes from American Wushu Society, headed by Mr. Edward Aguirre. Mr. Edward Aguirre, well-known person in the world of Wushu, has been trained in the first Beijing Wushu team by Wu Bin and prepared the first professional Wushu team in USA. He greatly appreciated the high professional level of judges, athletes, organizing committee and the tournament at a whole. “In Wushu, I never met a person more dedicated to her profession and goal than Ms. Eleonora Volokontseva”, Aguirre said.
At the Opening Ceremony, the General Consul of China in St-Petersburg, Mr. Tian Erlu, expressed his greetings to Championship’s athletes and guests. He noticed that Wushu is more than the martial art, but the passion that unites people all around the World. He also promised his help and support in the development of Wushu in St-Petersburg and Russia.
On the carpet, the strongest competitors were Russia and Ukraine. The first place in all-round events, men, was won by Andrey Koval, Ukrainian Federation of sporting and traditional Wushu, - multiple times Champion and prize-winner of European and World Wushu Championships. The women all-round was taken by Ekaterina Iordanidi, - the leader of the women team of National Wushu Federation of Russia, - multiple times Champion of International Tournaments in China, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Poland.
It is worth to mention that many teams from various countries have participated in two International Wushu competitions in a row, held in St-Petersburg, - in November 2005 and February 2006. This is an evidence of the main goal of those competitions, organized by Ms. Eleonora Volokontseva, is being reached. This goal is creating the good opportunities for competing on the high level and improving the athlete’s and coach’s skills. “My dream in Wushu is that all of athletes and coaches, even the most successful ones, understand and realize the constant need for learning and self-perfection”, - Ms. Eleonora said.
Winners in all-round events
