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Hosts Camberley Judo Club
raised vital funds for their 2012 Olympic hopefuls as they overcome
a spirited young Welsh side on Thursday 25 November at the five-star
South Lodge Hotel in Horsham.
The black-tie evening,
which the club launched with a win over Australia in 2009, was
introduced to raise funds for the Surrey Going for Gold Charity
which supports the star-laden Camberley Judo Club squad.
Sky Sports’ veteran presenter
Richard Keys spoke to British Olympic Association Director of
Elite Performance Sir Clive Woodward and double Olympic medallist
Kate Howey ahead of the highly-anticipated action on the mat.
In the truly unique and
intimate setting the club v country bouts were staged in between
the five-course gourmet dinner as guests were situated at tables
around the edge of the matted area, in what was a first for many
of the athletes and those in attendance.
Camberley were able to
call on former world and European Champion Craig Fallon who now
trains full-time at the club having returned to competitive action
in October. The 27-year-old had had taken a sabbatical from the
sport since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Also lining up for the
hosts was British Open silver medallist Nathon Burns, who’s moved
from 60kg up to 66kg, 2010 European Championships debutant Danny
Williams and London’s Becky Dunning.
The pick of the contests
was the battle between Kyle Davies and Craig Fallon, the latter
narrowly edging his plucky young foe.
After Camberley retained
and received the trophy, a series of auctions took place for those
attending to bid to financially support the club’s top judoka.
Fighters were auctioned
off including two-time Olympian Fallon who received the highest
bid of £800 which will be utilised for training and living costs
as he plots his third bid at the Olympics in 2012.
Camberley Judo Club Head
Coach Luke Preston, himself from Wrexham, was instrumental in
staging the event.
Preston, who’s also a support
coach for the Great Britain development squad, joined the Surrey
club as a player in 1997 and retired in 2005. He now runs the
day-to-day training programmes for the elite players.
“I was really delighted
with event and everything went well,” said the three-time senior
British Champion.
“It looked like everyone
enjoyed the judo and every athlete worked hard on the mat. I viewed
it as a great training session for them and the change in setting
is good experience for them.
“Wales’ young team done
them proud, they fought with a lot of heart and certainly have
some potential.
“The funds we raised for
every player was so significant for them, they can help provide
a platform for them to maintain their push the Olympics.”
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