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One of Boston Judo Club’s
longest-serving and most instrumental figures, 74-year-old Club
President Ted Cook, is continuing to do everything he can for
the club’s cause having been diagnosed with a serious illness.
The much-admired 1st Dan
is undergoing treatment and out of respect for his privacy the
club officials would like the details to remain private.
Ted still maintains a strong
and popular presence at the club’s training sessions, having started
the sport there in 1968, then aged 32. He received his brown belt
in 1972 and in 2009 was assessed by renowned 8 th Dan Ray Topple
to gain the coveted 1 st Dan grade.
“Judo is the best thing
that I have ever done,” he said.
“I have enjoyed meeting
and fighting players from other clubs including local R.A.F and
Army camps such as Cramwell, Coningsby, Digby and Alcanbury.
“I love to help both the
junior players with their judo. From helping to coach them I get
a great deal of pride and satisfaction when they do well at competitions.”
Ted has single-handedly
raised money for the club through raffles and helped establish
a link with Laval Judo Club in Boston’s twin town in France.
Club coach and Secretary
Dave Jacklin, who has known Ted since joining him at the club
in 1972, says the highly thought of veteran is frustrated at being
unable to help put out he mats.
“He has had to stop laying
the mats now due to the pain in his back which causes him much
distress as he keeps apologising because he wants to help.
“He is still on the mat
with the juniors who love him to bits as do we all.”
Jacklin thinks the club
has been very fortunate to have such a willing and enthusiastic
supporter and are indebted to him for his years of cherished service.
“Ted has been active on
our judo mats for as long as I can remember,” he added.
“As a tough and intelligent
fighter Ted has always given 100 percent and h e’s always willing
to help those starting off in the sport.
“Without Ted’s involvement
Boston Judo Club would not be here. It doesn’t matter how many
qualified coaches you have, if the mats are not laid no one is
doing judo.
“He’s a fantastic role
model for us all to live up to and I regard him as a friend for
life.”
Boston Judo Club train
at Boston Conservative Club, Main Ridge West, Boston, PE21 8QQ.
Boys and Girls train on Monday and Thursday at 19:00 - 20:00 while
men and women train on the same days at 20:00 - 21:00.
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