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The British Judo Association’s
Special Needs Player of the Year prize has gone to Bristol’s David
Woodland.
The Kodachi Judo Club player
will receive the award at the National Governing Body’s Volunteer
Awards Dinner on Saturday 2 October at the Botanical Gardens in
Birmingham.
Woodland was nominated
by Ron Cleere, chairman and senior coach at Stokenchurch Judo
Club, as well as Ken Thorne of Kodachi Judo Club, who’s also a
Great Britain special needs coach.
Cleere said: “David suffered
a horrific arm injury while competing in Holland two years ago
and was out of judo for a year. He’s worked hard to regain his
former standard and having achieved his 1st kyu grade is now working
towards his dan grade.
“Last year David won silver
at the British Closed Special Needs Championships and also took
a bronze medal at Shenchu G-Judo Championships in Venray, Holland.”
The highly-regarded player
returned to the scene of his injury in March as he competed in
a weight class featuring 12 international fighters.
“David fought exceptionally
well to reach the final where he lost to the German National Champion
and had to settle for silver.
“He has since taken on
the role of Kodachi’s Club Captain. David is a good motivator
at competitions, taking the group for warm up exercises and working
to lift their confidence. His etiquette on and off the tatami
is exemplary and he is the perfect example of a British judoka.”
Ken Thorne, who’s been
at Kodachi Judo Club for eight years, holds one of his finest
players in high regard.
“David is always an excellent
ambassador for special needs judo, both as club captain and a
level 1 competitor,” he said.
“In addition to showing
complete commitment to the cause David is well-known and respected
in Europe as well as Great Britain. He has an excellent fighting
record and showed remarkable resilience to fight his way back
after a long period off through injury.”
On the mat the club captain
is known for his work ethic and his ability to quickly apply the
advice of his coaches.
“As a special needs player
the theory is harder for him but he is able to apply himself well
to the learning, and importantly to him, the understanding of
what is required.
“His personal achievement
and total commitment to club and Great Britain responsibilities
makes him an inspirational figure at the club.”
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