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By Oliver Prichard Staff Writer Ames is likely to be the site of next year's United States Tae Kwon Do Union National Championships, said USTU executive director Michael Weintraub, who is currently visiting Ames to review the proposed location for the event. "Small cities are a great place to be because you get a greater turnout and greater volunteerism," Weintraub told officials from both the city and Iowa State University at a reception for visiting USTU members at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center Monday night. "I don't inspect a site unless we're pretty sure we're going to go with it," Weintraub said. The tournament would be held next May at Hilton Coliseum, and is expected to attract between 750 and 1,100 athletes and pump an estimated $600,000 into the Ames economy. "It's been too long since we've been in the American part of America," Weintraub said. USTU officials said other positives in Ames' favor include the excellent facilities that ISU offers, the affordable lodging that athletes could find in Ames and the safety of the community. The influence of Master Yong Chin Pak, the ISU tae kwon do coach and president of the Nations Collegiate Tae Kwon Do, Association, has also been a factor it the consideration of Ames. Pak, who is well-known throughout the worldwide tae kwon do community, has brought a great deal of recognition to Ames through his 24 years of service in the city. "What wouldn't normally be considered a strong mecca for martial arts has a pretty strong program (because of Master Pak)," said Anne Chase, a 1990 ISU graduate who is now the vice president of the USTU. Although Weintraub has a few worries about Ames, such as how people would be transported from the Des Moines airport and the conception that Ames is a small town with little to do, he says those concerns are being worked out and that Ames will have his "highest recommendation." Colorado Springs, site of the tae kwon do Olympic Training Center, and a couple of other cities are also being considered, Weintraub said. But Weintraub has envisioned a certain commemorative poster for the championships. It depicts a high-flying kicker over cornfields with a twister in the background. |