19.8.2018 / Sonkal Open

How sisters Žilinské viewed Sonkal Open

It was on Saturday 27th of May and the annual competition Sonkal Open took place in Petřiny in Prague. Our group gathered on Friday evening to make the hall ready in time. At 8 o´clock on Saturday morning there was the registration of all schools and weighing of sparring competitors. The competition
system was one against each other. Today for the first time groups of juniors and pupils were divided to older and younger. This year we hosted not just competitors from Czech but also from Russia whom we invited as well as they invited our contestants to Russia last December.

Competition began around 10 a.m. by the youngest ones in pattern contest. The number of younger and older pupils was truly large but thanks to big amount of referees we everything managed on time. After pattern contest the older pupils launched the sparring contest. In the afternoon we could see other categories competing. Colour belts at the beginning and higher belts ended the competition.

At the very end was the final ceremony and declaration of the most successful individuals. Sonkal school gained first place in total winning 13 golden, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals. There were 3 cups for most successful as well won by Ondřej Faltin (younger pupil), Jan Veškrna (younger junior) and Herbert Kindl (older junior).

The atmosphere of competition was pleasant and friendly for whole day. Everyone supported and rooted for each other. Altogether we believe that Sonkal Open was enjoyed by everybody either young or old and thanks to the system one against each other all of them had a chance to meet more than just one opponent if unsuccessful.

In the end we would like to congratulate everyone who left with pretty medals especially our boys to their won cups. Those less fortunate we wish good luck and believe that you will get a medal next time.

Veronika and Tereza Žilinská