Woo-hoo! Master Peter Cornacchio!

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SAULT STE. MARIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

************************* Sault man inducted in World Martial Arts Hall of Fame

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (November 15, 2010) - Promotion for the 2011 International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open, scheduled August 12 to 14 at the Essar Centre, has been recognized by the sport's governing body.

With his organizing and marketing work, Master Peter Cornacchio, who runs Soo Dan Hap Ki Do Academy, was recently inducted in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Orlando, FL.

He also took home an award for leadership and outstanding tournament promotion.

Master Cornacchio and wife Tracy were at the World Martial Arts Expo in Orlando, where they spread the word about the upcoming Sault Ste. Marie tournament.

The couple, along with their martial arts school, did the same thing a few months back at the World Hap Ki Do Championships in Battle Creek, MI.

In both cases, they promoted the Sault, which lead to the recent award and recognition.

“I was proud to represent Sault Ste. Marie and hap ki do at this prestigious event,” says Master Cornacchio. “The event was an inspiration and motivation for not only for hap ki do but martial arts of all disciplines.”

At the event, Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee, chair of the International Hap Ki Do Federation, was also recognized.

The awards were given by various senior martial arts grand masters.

“It was an honor to be recognized by such great grand masters from around the world,” adds Master Cornacchio. “The opportunity to have discussions with these world leaders in the art was very humbling yet made the art in me even stronger. The promotion of induction to the hall of fame is an achievement of a lifetime. With my 40 years of hap ki do training, it is inspiring to be recognized and awarded by the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.”

The 2011 International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open was bid on in partnership with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, a division of the Economic Development Corp.

"Sault Ste. Marie has a huge martial arts community, and faithfully leading the hap ki do movement are the Cornacchios,” says Steve Hollingshead, the division’s co-ordinator of special projects and sport tourism. “They have unselfishly given their personal time and spirit into programming this event, and I am particularity proud of their focus and determination. Our community is honoured to be hosting the inaugural International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open in 2011, and we look forward to more martial arts events in the future.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Master Peter Cornacchio (right) with Grand Master Y.K. Kim, head of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

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