The progress of Karate in Africa was at the core of the Referee and Coaching Seminar which was held in Senegal from October 7 to 10.

Sponsored by the WKF inside its development program for Africa, and organised by the Senegal Karate Federation with the collaboration of the African Karate Federation (UFAK), the seminar was conducted by the WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante. The activity was chaired by the WKF Vice-President Bechir Cherif and WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye.

Over 200 participants from six countries of the Western region of UFAK took part in the seminar. Theoretical sessions were conducted at the National Arena sports hall, while the practical activities were held during the Open International Tournament in Dakar. The competition was attended by the General Secretary of the Senegal National Olympic Committee Seydina Oumar Diagne.  

The seminar is included in WKF and UFAK’s efforts to further extend the progress of Karate in Africa by undertaking top-level activities to develop all the elements of the sport at the highest level.

“The celebration of high-level activities such as this seminar in Senegal is crucial for the development of our sport. We are pleased to note that the event was a success in terms of participation as it further demonstrates the great popularity of Karate in the region,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.   

(Top picture: WKF Vice-President Bechir Cherif, WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye, WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante, and Senegal Karate Federation President Mouhamed El Moctar Diop pose with members of the UFAK Referee Commission)

Over 200 participants attended the seminar in Dakar.

WKF officials were honoured during the Open International Tournament in Dakar.

Senegal Karate Federation President Mouhamed El Moctar Diop, WKF Vice-President Bechir Cherif, WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante, and WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye (seated) pose with officials during the event.