Mexican Players: ‘We are 200% Ready’ 19th Century Meets 21st at PATU’s 1st Gala Dinner

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Nov. 12, 2022)

VIPs, officials, masters, coaches, athletes and referees gathered tonight in one of Guadalajara’s most iconic locations as the first-ever Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU) Gala Dinner got underway in the city.

The location was the courtyard of historic Hospicio Cabañas, which opened in 1803 as a combined almshouse, hospital and orphanage. The evening’s main MC, PATU President Juan Manuel Lopez, called it “majestic and emblematic” and he was not exaggerating: Hospicio Cabañas is not just grand and elegant, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. While World Taekwondo has been holding an annual Gala Dinner since 2014, this evening marked the first time a WT Continental Union has hosted a dedicated Gala Dinner event. It did not disappoint.

After attendees took their seats, the 21st century merged with the 19th as a digital sound-light-film show played across the courtyard’s neo-classical façade. A performance of traditional Taekwondo was delivered by members of the WT Demonstration Team, then the awards show got underway.

After the conclusion of the award show, attendees dined on Mexican fare, while being serenaded by a lively Mariachi band and dazzled by a troupe of folk dancers.

The evening drew to a prompt close at 10:00PM, in order to ensure the dignity and sanctity of the location. But an early night was appropriate for all, as the World Championships’ opening ceremony will be held on Sunday.

Mexico’s sports minister and two local athletes praised the opportunity the upcoming World Championships in Guadalajara offer, both for national Taekwondo development and for their chances on the mats.

“I am convinced that hosting this event will help us to develop Taekwondo here,” Mexican Sports Minister Ana Gabriela Guevara told a press conference in the venue, the Centro Acuatico CODE Metropolitano. “It is not a physical advantage, but it helps to have family and friends here.”

“More than an advantage, it’s a motivation,” said W-46kg competitor Amelia Espinosa. “It’s an inspiration for the kids, and though what we want to show them is important, we want them to feel it.”

“Of course, it helps to compete at home,” added Carlos Sansores, who is fighting in the M+87kg division. “It helps us as we have so many world and Olympic champions here to develop the level of the athletes.”

He added, “If we are ready for this competition 100 percent, with our family in the stands, we are ready 200 percent!”

Two categories were presented: Special Recognition Awards, and entries to the Hall of Fame. The focus was on persons who have contributed to the sport in the Americas.

“This is really a great moment,” said WT President Chungwon Choue – himself an awardee.

Choue recalled that the first-ever WT Gala Dinner was inaugurated on the sidelines of the 2014 Grand Prix Final in Mexico’s Queretaro.

He praised the Mexican federation for that initiative, as well as for hosting a wide range of top-tier events, including two Grand Prix Finals and two World Championships.