Abu Dhabi-based Taekwondo team, TKD Oryx Sports, composed predominantly of Filipino coaches, players, and members, garnered significant recognition at the recent Closing Ceremony of the 2023-24 UAE Taekwondo Federation season held on June 2, 2024, at the Sharjah Sports Complex. The team received the prestigious Rising Team Award, while their head coach, Mary Ann Rivero Lopez, was honored with the Best Female Coach Award.
Coach Mary Ann Rivero Lopez, head coach of TKD Oryx Sports, shared her insights on the team’s journey and accomplishments.
“Our journey in the UAE Taekwondo competitions began around 2019 or 2020 with a modest team of 1 to 3 players. Despite the challenges of finding a consistent training venue, our athletes—King, Adri, and Francis—managed to win medals, making us extremely proud,” she shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the team, but they adapted by conducting online training sessions and practicing in public parks. This preparation enabled them to compete in international competitions such as the Poomsae competition in Thailand and the Speed Kicking competition in South Korea, where they continued to secure medals.
With their own training facility and a growing roster of dedicated players, TKD Oryx Sports achieved greater success in local competitions during the 2023-24 season. The team excelled in events such as the Emirate Poomsae Championship, Elite Kyorugi Championship, ADEK Sports Games, UAE Sports Games, Dubai Open, and the Poomsae Cup. The Poomsae Cup victory was particularly special since none of their coaches were Poomsae specialists. Thanks to the dedication of Coach Chuchay, Coach Marlex, and Kuya Alyson, their hard work paid off, resulting in numerous medals.
Coach Mary Ann expressed her immense pride upon learning that the team would be awarded the Rising Team Award for this season. “It filled me with an immense sense of pride—the proudest moment in my coaching journey. It validated all our sacrifices and hardships, bringing us closer to our ultimate team vision. I am deeply grateful to the other Oryx coaches, especially Coach Dada and Coach Cez, whose unwavering support and assistance were crucial in achieving this honor,” she remarked.
Receiving the Best Female Coach Award was a surprise for Coach Mary Ann. “During the ceremony, I wasn’t aware of this accolade, and since the announcement was in Arabic, I didn’t immediately realize what I had received. When they called my name, I had to use Google Translate to understand the nature of the award. Even then, I could hardly believe it and sought confirmation from other Arabic-speaking Masters present,” she recounted.
Coach Mary Ann expressed her gratitude to everyone who believed in her and supported her, especially to God, whom she believes placed her on this path. “While these awards might not seem significant to some, they mean so much to me, and I am still in awe that we received them,” she added.
The team’s success is attributed to their strong teamwork and the variety of abilities and capabilities brought by the coaches to their daily training sessions. Additionally, the strong relationships among coaches, players, and parents foster a supportive and cohesive environment, further enhancing their performance and growth.
TKD Oryx Sports is now preparing for the upcoming Taekwondo Championship to be held in August 2024 in Thailand. They will be bringing their Filipino players and four Emirati players—Ftoun Faisel, Eman Alhosani, Rowdah Salem, and Meera Al Alawi. “We are now very excited for the competition in Thailand, where we will be participating in both Kyorugi and Poomsae events. Some of our coaches will also be competing, which adds to the excitement,” Coach Mary Ann shared.
Currently, the team is focused on improving their weaknesses and strengthening their abilities. “Everyone is enthusiastic and eager because, as we always say in every competition, we either win a medal or gain valuable experience,” Coach Mary Ann emphasized.
At TKD Oryx Sports, nationality does not matter. All races are welcome, and everyone receives appropriate and equal treatment. The team takes immense pride in their Emirati players, who actively participate in competitions and consistently make time to attend training sessions despite their busy schedules.