Fourteen years and still going strong. Argos, the oldest city in Europe, once again hosted the Orange City International on March 16 and 17. George Andronikidis, the organizer, worked hard to ensure the championship was a success. Despite, the Greek Kung-Fu and Semi-contact Kick Boxing Federation holding their championship on the same dates, the 4500 Euros prize money, 380 trophies, 380 medals and many other incentives lured top notch blackbelt fighters from all over the country and a large representation from Great Britain and Poland. A combination vacation-competition event, the Orange City gave four nights hotel accommodations free of charge, transfers to and from the airport, sightseeing tours and a closing dinner party for all visiting athletes. Although it was a two day event, the British and Polish teams stayed between 5 and 7 nights to enjoy the wonderful climate and all that Greece has to offer.
Monday, March 18th a free bus tour was organized to visit the ancient theatre of Epidavros and the ruins of the citadel at Mycenae where King Agamemnos once ruled before the birth of Christ.
Saturday morning athletes were warming up for the days competition which consisted of forms, self-defense, breaking, team fighting and open division fighting. The first trophy of the day went to Grant Churchward and his team from England for a very synchronized group forms. Amir Farhat of Athens took first place in creative musical forms for his acrobatic performance. It was an excellent day for Maciej Sikonski of Poland as he took first place in the hard weapons style and first for self-defense with his well executed techniques. Ermis Moiras of Athens made his appearance in open style light contact and took first place with ease. The Zen club of Athens took first in the group fighting semi-contact by beating out the English team 8 to 5.
Sunday, day two of the championship, always draws a large number of spectators and by 9:30am the stadium was packed. After a short warm-up the Pee Wees were fighting it out while their parents shouted and watched on. As the day proceeded so did the categories with one interruption at 11:00 am for a brief welcoming ceremony for the local government officials and sponsors. They were entertained with a demonstration performed by the winners of the previous day’s competition with a simultaneous fireworks display that was very impressive.
It was a back to fighting as A. Angelopoulos of the Icaros Team from Athens was once again the men’s grand champion and Marciej Sikonski of Poland was the Pentathlon champion.
The Championship drew to a close but the celebrations continued well into the late hours of the night with a free celebration dinner party in Kefalari the site of a church built into a mountain cave. A good time was had by all and there was even a surprise proposal of marriage from one of he Polish athletes that evening. We assume he used his earned prize money to purchase the engagement ring. Congratulations to the happy couple.
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