With much hard work and dedication, two students of Levittown's USA Taekwondo, located at 3701 Hempstead Turnpike, have much to be proud of. During the 2003 United States Jr. Olympic Championship, held in Orlando, FL this past July, 12-year-old Nawaf Gasem of Levittown and 13-year-old Gina Marie Praetorius each received silver and bronze medals respectively. Nawaf and Gina, as well as Nicholas Murray, Doris Josie Cano and Danielle Pagano, all qualified for the US Jr. Olympics by winning gold medals in the New York State Championship held back in April. All of these competitors, taught and trained by Master Jeff Ecklund, demonstrated incredible strength and courage, as well as their excellent sparring skills during the tournament.

While only two students came home with medals Master Ecklund said that, "They are all winners in my eyes because they each showed great mental and physical toughness in what can be a very stressful and sometimes scary situation and I am proud of all of them." Many tend to agree. Keep up the good work!