On Sunday, Oct 23 USA Muaythai hosted the Youth Muaythai Challenge in Staten Island, NY. The event was the first of its kind and drew close to one hundred competitors from ages 6 to 17.
Athletes and their families traveled from all parts of the east coast to participate in this exhibition style tournament. The event showcased the sport’s unique ability to bring together as a community all types of athletes from different backgrounds. Athletes competed against one another ferociously in the ring, and each participant, coach and spectator showed enormous sportsmanship for one another and enjoyed this tremendous event.
“We are teaching them what it takes to win,” Vinny Scotto, tournament organizer, said. “Starting at the youth beginner level with this format is how the U.S. becomes powerhouse in the future.”
This unique, historic tournament gave Muaythai athletes a place to showcase their hard work and Muaythai skills. Scotto uses ring ropes to create boxing rings on mats so that the athletes have a full experience.
“Muaythai is meant to be in a ring. Having them start in the ring is essential for their growth,” Scotto said.
Having actual rings and corners for matches allowed the event to give athletes the unique opportunity to practice ring procedure. This is an essential part of Muaythai, and carefully adhered to at the international level. United States Muaythai Federation President Michael Corley wants all events, youth or adult, beginner or advanced, to have real rings for the athletes.
“Proper ring procedure also keeps a lot of traditional aspects in the sport including the Wai Kru and the wearing and removal of Mongkol.” Corley said.
USA Muaythai recognizes the importance of providing avenues for competition and supporting the young athletes through constructive feedback. The event presented a rare opportunity for youth athletes to receive specific evaluations of their skills from United States Muaythai Federation officials.
“Most importantly we are giving our kids much needed experience,” Corley said. “Many states do not have many opportunities for kids competition.”
This is the first of many USA Muaythai Youth Challenges and tournaments.
USA Muaythai would like to thank all the volunteers for their time, and especially Vinny Scotto.