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Nottinghamshire Judo County
Squad and the British Judo Association offered visually impaired
children the opportunity to try the Olympic sport of judo during
two activity afternoons which were held by the Nottinghamshire
Royal Society for the Blind on 23 June and 7 July.
The days were planned and
organised by Faye Dale, NRSB Sports and Healthy Lifestyles Officer
while the judo taster sessions were coordinated by the British
Judo Association’s Regional Development Officer Terri Ann Elliot.
Faye Dale said: “The judo
sessions that took place in Nottingham proved to be
a fantastic opportunity for children and young people in the Nottinghamshire
area to try a recognised Paralympic sport.
“It was particularly great
to see Steve and Ian Rose leading the sessions. The
children and young people immediately interacted with the sport,
this was down to being able to wear the kit and obviously the
way the session was professionally run by British Judo, linking
in learning and developing with the fun element
with judo.”
Terri Ann said: “ Organising and running
the sessions took a team effort and would not have been possible
without the kind support of clubs in the area.
“Everyone was willing to
lend their expertise and their equipment and I was over-run with
offers of help and support.”
The British Judo Association
has adopted the motto ‘Judo for All’ and the sport works tirelessly
to ensure that it is open and accessible to players with a wide
variety of disabilities. The close contact element that is involved
in judo makes the Olympic sport an ideal activity for those are
blind or visually impaired.
Britain Judo is renowned
for its visually impaired setup which includes reigning World
Champion Ben Quilter, Coventry brothers Joe and Sam Ingram, who
both picked up silver medals at March’s IBSA VI World Championships,
and talent search product Lesley Reid who captured a bronze medal
at the international showpiece.
Faye added: “Until conversations
with Terri I didn’t realise how good the British VI squad
is; obviously now I have a greater idea.
“Unfortunately I do not
know Ben Quilter, but if he is anything like Ian Rose then he
can certainly inspire VI children to take part in the sport.
This will only be done if he or individuals like Ben and Ian attend
the grassroots taster sessions and competitions to encourage the
individuals to take part.”
Terri Ann recognised the
efforts of the judo personalities who ensured the session was
well received.
“Special mention should
be given to Nottingham University and Minver Judo Club for the
loan of their mats and Portland Judo Club for supplying kits,”
she said.
“We were also fortunate
to have Nottinghamshire’s County Coach, Jason Dutton and BJA Technical
Officer and former Coach of the British VI Team, Steve Gawthorpe,
in attendance. VI Talent Development Coordinator Ian Rose, a former
VI medallist, was also a big advocate of the sessions and was
quick to confirm his involvement.
“Similar days are being
planned for the future and the BJA looks forward to being involved
in these.”
6th
Dan Steve Gawthorpe leads the session
Jason
Dutton, Ian Rose and Steve Gawthorpe join the VI children
For information on the
Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind please visit www.nrsb.org.uk
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