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The inaugural Wesport Schools
Challenge Judo Shield took place on Saturday 12 February at Bristol
Judo Club's dojo in Knowle.
Just under 100 children
from 10 schools across the Wesport partnership took part in the
event, organised by Wesport’s Inclusion Coach John Wheeldon.
John, who coaches just
over 200 children at schools across Wesport, said: “To get players
from the comfort of their school hall to a competition is always
a huge hurdle. This is why I suggested that we host a schools
only competition; I am overwhelmed at the numbers who have attended,
especially the number of girls."
27 of the players attending
were girls, which is a very high number to have at such an event;
British Judo are currently operating a Womens and Girls programme
to encourage a wider participation in the Olympic sport.
All the children were split
by weights; points were given for each medal achieved, Gold 3
points, Silver 2 points, bronze 1 point. The final scores were
close, with the winning school being Hanham Abbots, who entered
19 players, winning a total of 26 points.
They were closely followed
by The Meadows, who entered 13 players with 23 points. Stoke Lodge
who entered 14 players followed in third with 19 points. Other
schools who took part were Backwell Juniors, Four Acres, St. Michael’s
Stoke Gifford, Summerhill, Court De Wyck, Tickenham and St. Martins.
Hanham Abbots were presented
with the Shield, which they will hold until the next competition,
and after the success of the launch could take place in the Summer.
The event was officiated
by Bristol officials, including head referee Natasha Maslen, 17,
who was the joint winner of the British Judo Referee of The Year
2010.
Maslen, who attends Gordano
School 6th form, headed a team of junior officials from Abbeywood
Community school, Ashton Park school, Bedminster Down, St Mary
Redcliffe 6th form and City of Bristol College.
Wesport Inclusion officer,
Alison Finn, said: “As it was a schools event we wanted to use
as many junior officials as possible. All the young officials,
who are all judo players themselves, were very professional and
made the players feel at ease”.
Special thanks to Derek
Johnson, 2010 Winner of the British Judo Western Area “Hayler
Trophy” winner, which is an area award for volunteering, for refereeing
and supporting the Young referees.
Paul Taylor, Bristol County
Chair and one of the Adult officials overseeing the Competition
remarked: “It has been a fantastic event to be part of. Hopefully
not only will all the players carry on in schools, but now they
have caught the competition bug, they will go on to take part
in judo at their local clubs, details of which can be found on
the Bristol County Judo Website”
Wesport would like to
thank the all the Bristol Clubs, Players and Officials for supporting
this event.
For more information
please visit http://bristolcountyjudo.webs.com
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