A Northern Ireland Judo team celebrated major medal success at a competition in Wales recently.
Judo players from iCan Judo club along with Michael McMillan from UUC Judo club competed in the British Adaptive and VI Open Championships on August 17.
They came under the banner of the Northern Ireland Judo Federation Adaptive Team, with contests taking place in categories set for individual needs and under slightly modified rules to ensure that the fights are fair and safe.
Despite this being the first time competing for a few of the players, every player came back with a medal from the championships.
"The Federation is now proud to say that we have British Adaptive Champions in our midst," said Mark Spence, coach of iCan Judo.
"The championships took place in the Sport Wales National Centre, and the event brings together Adaptive and VI players from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so to feature in the medal categories at all levels is a massive accolade for those taking part.
"Not only was this a first for some of the players, but the Northern Ireland Judo Federation also had Stephen Sims attending as a referee for the first time at an adaptive event and Marian McLaughlin for the first time working as a technical official.
"Adaptive Judo is something that the Northern Ireland Judo Federation is striving towards, to open the doors to as many people and get them into the sport and welcome them on to the mat."
Mark added: “We’re overwhelmed with the results and the performance of our team, to medal in every category is a huge success and I’d like to congratulate everyone that took part.
"I would also like to thank our carers, helpers and volunteers as all the adaptive Judo that takes place is currently self-funded.
"The future looks bright for adaptive Judo in Northern Ireland and with initiatives that are happening to open the doors to many more people, we can only hope to build on the success we have had.”
Judo prides itself on being a fully inclusive sport that welcomes everyone.
Anyone interested can find out more about what we are doing and join your nearest club at nijudo.com
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