I.N.T.A. National Championships 2017 report.
On Saturday 21 October the I.N.T.A. held its annual National Championships in the fantastic facilities of Gormanston Park. This year we saw the numbers increase to more than 600, with competitors from both Northern Ireland and the Republic. The Tournament Committee expanded the amount of rings to 8, with no concerns for space in the 100 x 50 meter hall.
At the official opening, Master Douglas spoke about the recent promotion of the President of the INTA to Grand Master during the ITF World Championships a week earlier. All officials and competitors then bowed to the new IXth degree, Grand Master O'Toole. All other Masters and high ranking officials were introduced, as well as the organizing committee. Sabum Ross Smith received a warm applause for his part in winning the team sparring event for Ireland at the World Championships.