Ambassador Leah Ruiz Ruiz delivers her message during the European Championships Stick Fighting event
8 October 2023, Stary Sącz – Philippine Ambassador Leah Ruiz graced the opening ceremony of the European Championships Stick Fighting that was held on 07-08 October 2023 at the Sports Hall of the Secondary School in Stary Sącz, Lesser Poland.
The event was organized by Mr. Paweł Zaremba, a professional sports trainer and head of the Force Defence Method, an organization which specializes in the promotion of martial arts sports in Poland.
The Guests of Honor and Speakers for the event were Ambassador Leah Ruiz, Mr. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Member of Parliament for the 14th district of Nowy Sącz and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Jacek Tomasz Lelek, Mayor of Stary Sącz.
L-R: Mr. Paweł Zaremba, Mayor of Stary Sącz H.E. Mr. Jacek Lelek, Member of Parliament and MFA Secretary of State H.E. Mr. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Philippine Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz, UK-based World Arnis Sports Grand Master John Harvey, Mrs. Aleksandra Zaremba
Ambassador Ruiz thanked Mr. Zaremba for this initiative that aims to promote among the Polish people a deeper appreciation for the Philippines’ indigenous martial arts Arnis. She noted that this event also serves to highlight increasing collaboration between the Philippines and Poland as both countries marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 22 September 2023. -
Stick Fighting Competition in the Kids Category
L-R: Mr. Paweł Zaremba, Mayor of Stary Sącz H.E. Mr. Jacek Lelek, Philippine Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz, UK-based Filipino Martial Artist Diana Fauner
Philippine Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and Oslo-based Filipino Martial Artist Mr. Ricky Nones pose while holding Kamagong sticks
L-R: Mr. Pawel Zaremba poses with the judges and the winners from the United Kingdom Richard Gordon, Diana Fauner, John Harvey, Jude Tucker, Peter Simoni, Grechten Ivey and Christopher Keedie
