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This Saturday
and Sunday (13th-14th October) Sheffield will host the 2007 Junior
National Age Band Championships, which will see judo players from
the ages of 12-17 years competing to earn the National Age Band
titles.
The Championships, which
are supported by Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events
Unit, are being held at iceSheffield for the third consecutive
year and will be an opportunity to watch some of Great Britain’s
top young sporting talent in action. This year a record number
of 750 young players have entered the event at the Sheffield International
Venues (SIV) arena.
The tournament is categorised
into weight and age groups, with gold medallists becoming National
Champions. The English gold medallist will also automatically
take a place on the World Class Start Squad (England). This is
British Judo’s English development programme, which aims to prepare
players for progression up the World Class Performance pathway,
with the ultimate goal of winning medals at the World Championships
and Olympic Games.
The competitors will travel
to the Championships from throughout England, Ireland, Scotland
and Wales, with just two of the young hopefuls, one from Sheffield
and one from Rotherham, competing closer to home.
Densign White, Chairman
of the British Judo Association said, “iceSheffield has been a
fantastic host to this event for the last two years and I am delighted
that this year we have record numbers competing.
“The young talent taking
part in the Championships weekend may be taking their first steps
on a journey to success at the highest level. To have the chance
to compete in such a fabulous venue will be a fantastic experience
and one that they will never forget.
Mandy Janes, General Manager
of iceSheffield, added, “We are delighted to be hosting the 2007
Junior National Age Band Championships. It is brilliant that the
sport’s brightest young stars will get the chance to compete in
front of such a large crowd at iceSheffield. The event was a huge
success last year and the 2007 Championships will once again showcase
the wealth of talent we have in the city and across the UK.”
Media Accreditations
Members of the media wishing
to attend are reminded that media accreditations are required
for this event. To request an accreditation application form please
email Emma Griffin at the British Judo Association.
Media Contact:
Emma Griffin
Communications Director
(t) 01509 631692/07875
368495
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