On Sunday 27th 2022 the long awaited return to competition started with the Northern Ireland Kyu and Mini-Mon event, held in the Foyle Arena.
120 competitors from 20 different clubs took to the mat, after two years of non-competitive Judo and put the skills learnt in the clubs into action.
In terms of the Judo on display, it’s a credit to our Coaches who have recognisably been working hard to get their members ready for the event.
As well as the Judo, it was fantastic to see the sporting connections resumed between all the clubs and new friendships being formed off the mats.
Here’s what the Events Commission chair Averil Taggart along with referee in charge Bill Taggart said about the day.
“It is great to be back organising and running judo competitions. There are a lot of hours working behind the scenes to put each competition on and to prepare competitors for the day. Seeing everyone working together yesterday, officials, volunteers and coaches, to make each competitors experience an enjoyable one is a great advert for the judo family. The smiles on everyone’s faces, win or lose, was testament to all that hard work having paid off.”
Northern Ireland Judo Chairman, Russell Brown added:
“From a personal point of view, I for one, was glad to be back at a Judo competition, given our enforced long term hiatus due to Covid. To see and experience the cumulative vein of excitement that vibrated throughout the whole day, seeing the smiling faces and hearing numerous congratulatory remarks, to say the least, was absolutely fantastic indeed.
As chairman of the Federation, I welcomed both the event yesterday and indeed the opportunities in front of us for future events, whereby the whole judo family in Northern Ireland can come together, to take part in and support each other in our beloved sport of Judo.
I must state that the amount of unseen work and preparations taken on board by our events team, on the day delivery by our table officials, referees and our volunteers made me most proud indeed. Our Judo Federation is growing stronger and steadily becoming more professional.
Finally, I wish to thank all those mum’s, dad’s, club coaches and their children (competitors) who made it such a great day. Can’t wait till we are all together again, lets make the Northern Ireland Open on the 9th and 10th of April bigger and better.”
We now look forward to the Northern Ireland Open in April, and you can find out more here about the event. Our sponsors from The City of Derry Airport are giving away a free flight for 2 in a competition as well!