Muaythai athletes celebrated the end of their The World Games 2017 with a bang!
After months of strict training and dedication, it was time to let their hair down and celebrate friendship. They headed to one of many nightspots in the beautiful city of Wrocław and were joined by athletes from other sports including Jujitsu and Canoe Polo.
Plagues were given out to individuals for outstanding performance in and out of the ring.
The World Games 2017 54kg champion Sofia Olofsson from Sweden was recognised as Female Boxer of the tournament for her intelligent use of muaythai techniques and style.
And Serhii Kuliba of Ukraine as best male boxer ; he caused a stir on the first day in eliminating Thai champion Aneung Khatamarrsai and continued in dominant fashion to Gold.
In all Ukraine took 3 gold medals, and one silver so earning Muaythai Team of TWG2017. This was an especially great achievement as one of their qualified athletes was injured playing soccer and had to drop out. His replacement Vasyl Sorokin went on to claim a silver medal.
But sport is about much more than competition. And one team stood out for their friendliness and helpfulness even during the stresses of competition; team Poland! The athletes were given a plaque to mark their contribution to the success of muaythai at TWG2017.
Other memorial plaques were for people associated with the IWGA who welcomed muaythai into their family. Joachim Gossow CEO of the organisation posed for photographs with the honoured athletes.
Presidents of other TWG2017 sports joined with muaythai during the night including Dr. Borislav Pelevic WAKO, Ian Anderson World Pool-Billiard Association and many others.
IFMA general secretary and vice-president of GAISF Stephan Fox made an emotional speech on how events like this promote cultural dialogue, and that he is certain there are no better ambassadors than muaythai athletes.
Anna Arzhanova, ARISF organisation said TWG2017 were a great success, and she wished all the athletes to have a fun celebration of their hard work.
Each athlete who attended received a key-ring shaped like a boxing ring as an extra memento of their time in Wroclaw. It really was an outstanding couple of days for everyone, and such a thrill to have our beloved sport included among so many other global sports.
Ceremonies over, the athletes got down to the serious business of dancing the night away, and getting to know their fellow competitors better. A real-life example of sport bringing people together.