Dundee to host World Union of Karate Federations (WUKF) World Championships

The 7th World Union of Karate Federations (WUKF) World Karate Championships for All Ages will be held at Dundee Ice Arena from June 12 to 17 2018, bringing more than 4,000 athletes, supporters, coaches and officials from across the globe. The event could also contribute an estimated £9.7million to the local economy.

Dundee-based Kanzen Karate Scotland (KKS) launched the audacious bid to host the competition in June last year. The team have since been working tirelessly with Leisure & Culture Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau, Dundee and alongside other organisations within the city to make the bid successful.

The event is the largest event of its kind in martial arts and previous hosts include Dublin, Verona, Liege & Lake Garda.  Members of Dundee based Kanzen Karate Scotland (KKS) will now have the opportunity to represent their country on their doorstep. The event will bring some of the world’s top karate athletes to the city with legacy at the heart of the event.  World Champions will visit local primary schools to teach and inspire whilst they attend the competition.

Roy O’Kane, President of Kanzen Karate Scotland said

“We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our bid to host the WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee. An event of this size will have a significant impact on our City whilst raising the profile of Scottish Karate more generally.  It’s a tremendous honour that the Executive Committee of WUKF have placed their trust in Kanzen Karate Scotland and the City of Dundee to deliver this competition, but we can and we will. We are really honoured to be playing our part in showcasing Dundee on the international stage. There is still lots of work to do but we are looking forward to working across the entire City to make sure this event is a success and has a lasting legacy.”

Bob Duncan, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee said

\"This event shows that we can attract world class events to our venues in Dundee and is a tremendous opportunity for those involved in sport locally to compete on home turf. Kanzen Karate were very successful at our own Sports Awards recently and we wish them further success at these championships. We also look forward to welcoming competitors from across the globe to Dundee Ice Arena in 2018.\"

Karen Tocher, Business Manager Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau said

“We at Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau were delighted to work in partnership with Roy O’Kane, Kanzen Karate Scotland President and look forward to continuing our support for all the organisers in the planning of this major event. Dundee has proven in recent years that it’s an ideal location for international events and conferences; our bureau partners and the city have also all been behind us, by offering competitive rates and services in support of the bid. It’s been a team effort to bring this prestigious event to Dundee, Scotland; which will bring around 4,000 athletes, supporters, coaches and officials from around the globe and it is estimated that this will generate over £9.7 million for the local economy.”