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This Saturday and Sunday
(11th – 12th September) Sheffield will host the 2008 British Championships,
which will see judo players from the ages of 12-18 years competing
to earn National titles.
The Championships, which
are supported by Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events
Unit, are being held at iceSheffield for the fourth 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 850 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 England Talent Development Programme.
This programme 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 one competitor from Sheffield competing closer
to home. Three competitors that train at Sheffield based Clubs
will also take part.
Densign White, Chairman
of the British Judo Association said, “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 at iceSheffield, said: “We have hosted this prestigious
competition for the last three years, so for it to be back for
a fourth year in a row is great acknowledgement of iceSheffield’s
reputation as a world-class facility.
“It is also a prime example
that iceSheffield is an extremely diverse venue which has the
capacity to host a variety of sporting competitions on and off
the ice and attract wide audiences to experience its facilities.”
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
(e) emmagriffin@britishjudo.org.uk
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