British Squad Selected for European Para Youth Games Debut

Four talented British judokas have been selected to represent GB at the European Para Youth Games, taking place in Istanbul from 25th to 27th July.

The European Para Youth Games is a multi-sport event held every two years, providing young athletes with disabilities from across Europe a platform to compete internationally. With over 25 countries expected to participate, it serves as a key stepping stone toward future elite competition, including the Paralympic Games.

This marks a historic moment for British Judo, as the team makes its debut at the prestigious event, aiming to make an immediate impact on this stage.

The athletes will be accompanied by British Judo’s Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach Ian Johns and will experience their first taste of a multi-sport event. This includes not only the competition but also vital elements such as athlete classification, the opening and closing ceremonies, anti-doping education, and the overall environment of an elite, multi-sport setting.

It promises to be an incredible learning experience for everyone involved, and we’re excited to see how the team rises to the occasion.

The squad is as follows:

• Jolene Donaghue (Club: Ray Stevens Academy – Coach: Ed Semple)
• Rico Amediku (Club: Micklefield Judo Club – Coach: Paul Pusey/Ian Rose)
• Murray McConnell (Club: Danderhall Judo Club – Coach: Davie Reilly)
• Jake Pasquill (Club: Bacup Judo Club – Coach: Brian Moore)

British Judo Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach, Ian Johns said, “The four fighters we have are all at a very good level, and I am very excited to see what they can achieve.

“They have worked so hard in their clubs, and I am so appreciative of the club coaches who have spent hours preparing the fighters.

“We have had a huge surge of visually impaired fighters after multiple successful Paralympic Games, and the club coaches have adapted their sessions to make judo inclusive for them all.”

We congratulate all of those selected and wish you all the best of luck!

*Squad selection is subject to athlete classification at the event.

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