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World Masters Judo Champion
and Sport Hampshire & IOW Sports 2011 Sportsperson of the
Year Winner Petra Piears is now inspiring Alton’s youth by setting
up and running Alton Judo Clubs Junior Section.
A well-known face to children
as a swimming teacher at Alton Sports Centre Petra has now largely
retired from top level competition but wants to give back to judo
some of the fun, enjoyment and experience that she has had. What
better way than to combine it with her passion for teaching children
and launch junior judo classes? Petra did this in April 2011 and
the sessions have proven popular, growing steadily ever since.
This year the club has
been working hard to raise funds to replace tiring equipment such
as crash mats to make teaching the juniors, plus existing seniors,
even safer.
Alton District Sports Council
awarded a £100 grant to the club, and other generous club members
have made their donations. The best effort came from the Tarrant
family who have two juniors at the club – dad Stuart was volunteered
to have a ‘back wax’ and mum Tara collected over £200 in
sponsorship money.
Derek Piears, Alton Judo
Club’s Senior Coach & Chairperson, said: "The response
to our fundraising has been exceptional; we are very grateful
to each and every donor. Launching the junior section complements
Alton Judo Club’s view that judo is for all, we now cater for
juniors, seniors and masters. This new specialist mat allows us
to implement a range of training drills and activities for all
age groups that will help build an individual’s self-confidence
through judo, whether they want to compete or follow a recreational
pathway, this will aid their progress.”
The juniors – all beginners
in April 2011, are steadily progressing through the British Judo
grading syllabus, and with continued community support and a champion
coach, the club could have future stars within its walls.
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