There are just seven days until the biggest multi-sport event in Orillia’s history begins. With that in mind, OrilliaMatters will be publishing a daily countdown to help you get ready for the 2018 Ontario Winter Games.
Thursday, Feb. 22
Elvis has left the arena and is coming to a gym near you. Elvis Stojko, that is.
The three-time world champion and Olympic silver medal-winning figure skater will be an official ambassador of the 2018 Ontario Winter Games and will also serve as judge for the Wushu competition. Wushu is probably the most unique and least known of the 25 sports to be contested at the 2018 Ontario Winter Games hosted by Orillia.
Wushu is a form of contemporary Chinese martial arts that blends elements of performance and martial application. Wushu training emphasizes quickness, explosive power and natural, relaxed movement. The Wushu practitioner must combine flexibility with strength, speed with flawless technique, and fierce intent with effortless execution.
Wushu has developed and evolved over a period of thousands of years from an art of war into a cultural, martial, philosophical and physical activity now embraced by people on every continent. Wushu, which features a format in line with other modern sporting disciplines, incorporates a wide variety of practice methods from highly athletic empty-handed forms to weaponry as well as partner routines and full-contact combat.
For Stojko, martial arts have long been a passion. He is a black belt holder and Wushu lover; he regularly infused his figure skating routines with elements from the martial arts.
That passion will serve him well as he officiates the unique sport, which will be contested at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes High School March 2-4. At the competitive level, Wushu is comprised of two main categories, Taolu (Routine Performance) and Sanda (Sport Combat). Both formats will be featured at the Ontario Winter Games.
