“We have been invited to send teams to two youth tournaments in Asia,” reports AGA President Andy Okun. “With all expenses paid for kids once they arrive, this is an an incredible go-related cultural experience for the price of round trip air fare.” The Kuksu Mountain tournament will be held August 2-7, in scenic Jeollanamdo Province, South Korea. Youth teams will be attending from all over the world, and participants will compete in multiple tournaments, with prizes in various rank brackets. Go related side events and local tourism are part of the program as well. Organized by the Korean Baduk Association, the popular event will be held for the sixth time this summer. Any AGA youth 18 and under are eligible to attend, and a team leader is also sought. Accompanying adults are welcome as well, but are asked to pay a $270 fee to help cover costs (as is the team leader). If you are interested in the event, or would like more information, fill out the application form here.
The X’ian Education Bureau is organizing an international tournament as well, for youth aged 13-18. A four person team will be selected for this event. The date is not set yet, but it is expected to be in mid-late August. X’ian was the former capital of China and is rich in history and culture, and the famed terracotta army is nearby as well. The event will include three days of competition and two of sightseeing and cultural exchange. 12-14 teams are expected to participate. As with the Kuksu participants must pay their own airfare. There is a $200 charge per person as well, and then all other expenses are covered. The application form is here. -Paul Barchilon, EJ Youth Editor. Photos: Top: 2018 Kuksu tournament; Bottom: A few members of the life-size Terracotta Army, of which there are 8,000. Photo by Paul Barchilon.
