We sent a delegation of 4 people to the Netherlands for this very important event on the Special Needs Judo calendar. The event incorporated a coaching course, referee course and major Special Needs Judo tournament.
Thursday saw the arrival of the competitors, coaches and officials to Baarlo in preparation for the days ahead.
Friday morning saw the start of the event with 10 of the top judokas from the Netherlands including, European, World & Olympic champions, taking a session with all the competitors over 8 mat areas.
2nd European Special Needs Judo Event 2010 - Netherlands
When the session was finish all the competitors returned to the castle and were treated to a fantastic afternoon of medievil delights including, a banquet, jousting, falconery and much more.
The coaches and official stayed behind at the sports arena for the first of their courses.
Over 60 coaches took part in a very informative and enjoyable special needs judo coaching course presented by various members of the Judo Bond Netherlands top Special Needs Judo experts. The course was very well received by all in attendance.
The Evening session was dedicated to the introduction of Special Needs Judo Refereeing which was presented by Mr Herman Rurup, the JBN head of SN refereeing.
Saturday saw the start of the Tournament with over 400 competitors from all over Europe and some from as far away as Australia taking part.
The tournament was fantastic to watch and referee, there were competitors with intelectual & physical disabilities, children with no use of their legs and indeed no legs at all, visually inpaired & blind people, downs syndrome competitors, people that had to be carried onto the mat and start in a lying postition, all with the same goal - to do their best and enjoy their judo. These guys are truly an inspiration with the main focus on what they can do and not on what they can't.
As part of our national rollout of our Judo Assist program we will be hosting a number of FREE Come & Try Sessions around the country.
The first of these sessions has been confirmed for Tipperary, Cavan, Dublin and Kilkenny.
These sessions are open to anyone with a disability who would like to try judo for the first time, and because they are totally FREE you have nothing to lose.
Visit our Events page for full details including Venue, Times and how to book.
Judo Assist New Sponsor
Hampshire Sports Equipment Ltd trading as Black Eagle is one of the largest Martial Arts Equipment suppliers in Britain, Ireland and beyond.
Irish International Open 2012
dates announced
check out events page
FREE
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