Thunder Bay, ON. – Thunder Bay is hosting the Tbaytel 2022 Canadian National Martial Arts Championships & Festival for the first time ever. Excitement around the city is starting to grow, and because the event will attract national attention, it aims to help grow the martial arts locally.
Preparations with the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse at Lakehead University for the championships began months ago.
The facility’s senior coordinator, Jenny Veal, says they can’t wait for the event to take place.
“It is the National Championships,” said Veal. “It’s one of the largest events that we have held since the pandemic began and it will bring people from all over. It’ll really reactivate tourism, bring people in, and get people excited again.” With the Ontario government and the CEDC supporting the event, Veal says that could be a big boost to tourism and the city.
Of the many volunteers at this year’s event, the local organizing committee is expecting many of them to be members of local clubs including support by the Peng You Tai Chi Academy and Thunder Bay Martial Arts Council.
Organizing Committee Chair Ken Boshcoff, says his members feel honoured to be a part of a major Canadian sporting event. “Our club members are thrilled anytime that we can get involved with these types of events,” said Boshcoff. “It just really gives us a sense of pride and the fact that we can rally enough volunteers and participants to make this happen.”
Boshcoff added that hosting a “Kung Fu Masters Gala show” on the opening night has the possibility to inspire those interested in learning the martial arts, and showcase what makes this now recognized Olympic Sport truly great.
“I think it gives people who are interested in martial arts and culture, an idea and a look that shows it’s possible to do it, and shows that it is fun and it’s exciting, and it’s not just for action movies and television.”
Performances will include the highest levels of Kung Fu Masters and Champions from across Canada along with spectacular displays of Chinese Lion and Dragon Dancing. “Anybody can be involved in the martial arts which has participants ranging from children to seniors, which is a reason we decided to invite all children 12 and under to the events FREE of admission fees.”
From July 29-31, you can catch the Tbaytel 2022 Canadian National Martial Arts
Championships & Festival at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse at Lakehead University.
Tbaytel Opening Masters and Champions Gala Show
● Friday, July 29, 2022 from 6:00-8:00pm, $25.00 per person
Tbaytel National Championships
● FULL 3-Day Pass (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), $50.00 per person
● Day Pass (at door, cash only), $20.00 per person
Children 12 and under, FREE admission (with I.D.)
Tickets available through WushuCanada’s website.
