Sheffield to Host the 2013 European Karate Championships

October 14, 2013

Sheffield in England have been selected to host the European Karate Championships, which take place between 16 and 20 October.

The English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield will hold more than 1,400 people from 20 countries across Europe will compete in five different categories during the five-day championships, held for the first time at the sports hall in Sheffield. 

As well as an official opening ceremony before the championships, organisers the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF), will also host a referee and coach’s seminar as well as a WUKF presidents meeting.

Peter Allen, WUKF European president, said: “The opening ceremony is a combination of British music, football memorabilia, and world-famous Sheffield superstars such as Sheffield’s golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill. Sheffield is waiting.”

There will also be a technical Kumite seminar by world champion Christophe Pinna at EIS Sheffield, while the event’s farewell party will be held at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria hotel.

Dom Stokes, general manager for Sheffield International Venues Events, said: “This is a huge event with a major competition programme, as well as additional event activity including an opening ceremony, seminars and meetings.

“The WUKF chose EIS Sheffield because of our track record in hosting major sports events and state-of-the-art facilities, but also because of the additional space and provision for accommodation for their seminars and meetings.”

The EIS Sheffield has staged a number of sporting events this year including the Sainsbury’s UK School Games 2013, British Athletics European Trials and Indoor Championships and ETTA National Table Tennis Championships.