The opening ceremonies for the 11th Pan-American Wushu Championship will be held tonight [Friday, 8/12/16] at 7 p.m., at the City Bank Coliseum.
Lubbock will be the world stage for the Pan American Wushu Championships that will be held through Sunday, August 14, 2016.
The ceremony will begin with the parade of flags from participating federations representing the countries of Argentina, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Trinidad, Tobago, and the USA.
It will be followed by an Oath Presentation, in accordance with the regulations and tradition of the Pan American Wushu Federation, they will recite the oath for judges, athletes, and coaches.
Several dignitaries from across the country, as well as local representatives including the Mayor of Lubbock, and State Representative John Frullo, will partake.
In addition, the presentation of the USA and Texas flags will be presented by Boy Scout Troop 157. The “Star Spangled Banner” will be performed by Tammy Westbrook.
Various other performances will take place and will be sure to be exciting for
the audience, locally and abroad.
This international event occurs every two years. The only other time it was held in the United States was in Washington, DC in 2004. The participant teams will include 23 countries from North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Wushu is the Chinese term for martial arts. The traditional sport has been also commonly referred to as Kungfu. Wushu is much more than an athletic competition. It combines ancient fighting skills, strategy, mental discipline, and physical precision into an art form that has evolved from before the Shang Dynasty began in 1556 BC. Wushu is an ancient art form that expresses the history, philosophy, and culture of the Chinese people. It has now become an international phenomenon practiced competitively on a worldwide scale involving 147 countries by many age groups.
Two forms of Chinese martial arts will be featured at the competitions: Taolu and Sanda. – Taolu refers to routines comprised of a choreographed continuously connected set of pre-- determined techniques incorporating stylistic principles of attack and defense. These routines may include weaponry, such as swords. Sanda is a modern unarmed combat sport which primarily makes use of punching, kicking, throwing, wrestling, and defensive techniques.
This four-day event is estimated to bring in 5,000 attendees per day. The participants and spectators will be able to experience a world class hospitality that only Lubbock can offer.
(Press release from Bridge Communications of Lubbock)
EVENT SCHEDULE
AUGUST 12TH, FRIDAY
9 – 11 a.m. Taolu Competition, Lubbock City Bank (LCB) Coliseum
2 – 4 p.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition, LCB Coliseum
5 – 6 p.m. Weighing-in, Hotel
7 – 9 p.m. Opening Ceremony, LCB Coliseum
AUGUST 13TH, SATURDAY
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition, LCB Coliseum
2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition, LCB Coliseum
7 – 8 p.m. Weighing-in, Hotel
7:30 – 10:30 Taolu Competition, LCB Coliseum
AUGUST 14TH, SUNDAY
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition, LCB Coliseum
2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition
7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Taolu & Sanda Competition
