On the 15th of October, the first ever Northern Ireland Judo Gala Dinner was held in the Dunsilly Hotel.
With over 100 people in the room, from the start to the finish the atmosphere was electric.
The theme of the night was to celebrate all things, Judo.
A celebration away from the mats, to recognise the difference that can be made to lives through Judo, and a recognition of the hard work all our volunteers, coaches, officials, events team, board members and our players put into Judo on the mats and beyond. Not just for the category award winners, but everyone.
A delicious 3-course meal was enjoyed by all there and the entertainment from Dj Skip took the celebrations into the early hours, with plenty of cardio on the dance floor!
With 12 awards and a host of nominees all worthy of their names in lights, the crowning moment of the evening with a standing ovation for Dr. Richard Briggs on his lifetime achievement presentation.
You can view the presentation and the award winners by clicking here.
Russell Brown, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Judo Federation said:
“To be away from the Dojo and the competition arena with the extended Judo fraternity, is something we need to do more of. It was refreshing to see the fun that was had, the chats on the tables and at the bar and the connections being forged between old friends and new.
We have great people in Judo and although a lot of them were recognised at the awards, we know behind the scenes so many other people put so much into their clubs and members. I’d like to go on record to thank you all.
I’m genuinely excited about the future plans we have for the Federation and changing more lives through Judo.”
There is a gallery where you can see our winners and some other images from the night below.
Thank you to everyone that attended and was involved!
