I would like to congratulate the European Kyokushin Organization on the opening of the 1^st European Kyokushin/Shinkyokushin Karate Championship U22.

The European Championship which is held every year has a good reputation, and Europe has brought up many strong and skillful fighters throughout the years. I believe though that it is a great idea to arrange a Championship for the younger generation, for those who do not belong to the juniors anymore, but still do not have enough fighting experience to do well in the European Championship for adults. The U22 gives these young fighters a terrific opportunity to get more fighting experience and self-confidence. This tournament will be a bridge between the Junior Tournaments and Adult Tournaments.

Many countries have sent there young fighters to Lithuania today, and I believe that the audience will see several future champions here today. This initiative taken by the EKO is very good, and I appreciate it very much.

In Japan we are organizing the Karate Dream Cup every year; this tournament is open for small children up to senior fighters. Although the Karate Dream Cup is bigger than the U22, I believe that the idea behind the tournament is the same; to give an opportunity to everybody to test their strength and skill. That is what is so great with Kyokushin Karate, there are opportunities for everybody, regardless of age, to challenge themselves, and to become a Champion!

I’m convinced that today’s tournament will be a great success. And the organizer, Mr. Romas Vitkauskas, Branch Chief of WKO in Lithuania is well experienced in organizing tournaments. I am sure that both competitors and the audience will enjoy this day.

As the president of the WKO, I would like to thank not only Mr. Vitkauskas, but also all the staff who has been working hard in order to make this tournament come through. Thank you everybody for your dedication and hard work!

OSU

Kenji Midori

President

WKO