Susanne Mitchell of Yorkton's KEE's Taekwondo was one of three North American referees that took part in the military games of taekwondo held recently in Quebec.
She participated as an international referee at the World Military Taekwondo Championships and was recognized as the best referee.
The event was part of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), which is an international sports association composed of Armed Forces personnel of member nations accepted by the CISM General Assembly. The fundamental aim of CISM is to promote sport activity and physical education between its member nations, as a means to foster world peace.
This aim is encapsulated in the CISM motto "Friendship through Sport".
Mitchell said there were about 25 countries' militaries represented at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, 45 minutes south of Montreal.
Having travelled to Quebec in the past made things a little easier, but Mitchell said it wasn't exactly a pleasure trip either.
"I wasn't really sure what to expect. This is a world event. I was a little nervous and apprehensive."
She said it was good because the fighters have the upmost respect for each other and the referees and there is a universal feeling amongst everyone revolving around 'friendship through sport'.
Among the strongest countries competing in taekwondo, Mitchell said, were the Koreans, Brazilians, Germans and Italians.
