The European Taekwondo Union 40 Years Anniversary Gala took place on September 9, 2016 in Bucharest, Romania, and there the award ceremony for the Best European Athletes took place. The countries, ETU Council Members, ETU supporters and partners also received awards.
At the European Taekwondo Union 40 Years Anniversary Gala, Michail Mouroutsos (GRE) and Carlo Molfetta (ITA) received their awards from the ETU President Sakis Pragalos for the Gold Olympic medal in Sydney 2000 and London 2012 respectively. Geremia Di Costanzo (ITA) was awarded as Top Male Athlete in European Senior Championships (most gold medals). The title of the Top Male and Female athletes in the European Senior Championships (most medals overall) was awarded to Magomedov Seyfula (RUS) and Gwladys Epangue (FRA) respectively. Kim Kim Laura (ESP) and Joel Van Der Weide (NED) were awarded as Top European Athletes in Poomsae (forms).
Michail Mouroutsos (GRE) received a second award for setting a unique record in the history of the European Taekwondo by winning the first Gold Olympic Medal and preserving the title for 12 years within Europe, until London 2012.
ETU President Sakis Pragalos stated: “It is our duty as the institutional body of the sport in Europe, not only to be in constant progression, seek for new evolutionary opportunities, generate new chances for our athletes’ progression and strive for the prosperity of all our MNA’s, but also to recognize and celebrate our moments of triumph and success.”
Michail Mouroutsos said: “It is my pleasure to be at the ETU 40 Years Anniversary Gala. ETU has taken up major development steps in all levels. It is important to reward the moments of triumph, so that the “old” ones recall the successes and the new ones learn the names that have set the athletic foundation of European Taekwondo. I will always help the actions of ETU to set new standards for the future of our sport.”
Between the awarded athletes, the ones who were not present, received their awards through their National federation: Jade Jones (GBR), Milica Mandic (SRB), Servet Tazegul (TUR), Joel Bonilla Gonzalez (ESP), Isaev Radik (AZE), Coral Bistuer (ESP), Brigita Yague (ESP), Ana Zaninovic (CRO), Lucija Zaninovic (CRO)
The country of Spain was awarded for hosting the first European Taekwondo Tournament (1976) and the first ETU Presidency.
Great Britain was awarded for being the No. 1 European country in Olympic Ranking.
Turkey was awarded for hosting the most ETU events up to now.
AIPS Europe and EBU were awarded for their partnership with ETU and DAEDO International for its contribution to all ETU events and actions.
Proud Gold Sponsor of the ETU 40 Years Anniversary Gala was DAEDO INTERNATIONAL.
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