by Ashley Mussbacher
Black Press
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With the competitions wrapped up, athletes board buses back to their hotels and prepare for either tonights celebrations or tomorrows preparations.
Today consisted of a total of 91 competitors, all of which participated enthusiastically despite the outcome of the total points. Even in the final kumite rounds, with such focus and determination, the end resulted in each competitor shaking hands and sometimes a hug.
"There’s a wonderful energy here," says Karate BC Judge Paul Sexton. "Everyone from the competitors to the coaches to the spectators had a great time, and came from all over BC."
He also explains that while the athletes were competing for placements, there was some competition of the judges’ own behind the scenes.
"We also had a large number, about 20, of junior officials who were here testing to be judges," he says. Whether or not the junior officials will be announced tomorrow with the medals is unknown at this time.