On the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of April, the Foyle Arena welcomed over 535 competitors from across the UK, Europe and beyond to take part in the Northern Ireland Judo Open.
Famed for the warm welcome, the standard of the event and the Judo on display, the Open welcomes back competitors again and again, however there were lots of new faces enjoying the experience of vying for the title of champion 2023.
The best thing was apart from the medals and the ranking points, were the smiles, the sportsmanship and the high standard of Judo that was there for mat-based connections and new spectators to the sport to enjoy live.
Russell Brown, Chairman for the Northern Ireland Judo Federation said:
“The event ran smoothly, but that only happens with the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Both in the lead up and on the day.
I want to put on record, my thanks and that of the Board and everyone in the NIJF to our events team, our officials, the volunteers and of course, the parents, carers, coaches, and the competitors that make the N.I. Open a standout event in the Judo calendar.
We are delighted with the entry, and the feedback from those involved, and we have already started the de-brief process to build on 2024 and make the Open even better.
I’d also like to thank our sponsors, the City of Derry Airport for being a part of the event and offering a great prize as well as all the benefits too.
The next event in the Calendar for the Northern Ireland Judo Federation is the school’s championship in June, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next generation of Judoka are capable of and seeing them one day compete at the flagship event!”