The 6th of April is the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development. A topic that usually ends up at the table of European Judo Union’s Senior Vice President, Otto KNEITINGER. The next meeting of the Executive Committee is scheduled for the 14th-16th April in Dubrovnik. Kneitinger, who is mainly responsible for marketing and media issues, will once again report on the manifold support for the 51 European judo member federations on the Dalmatian coast. In mid March, he gained a personal overview of the wishes and challenges of the federations, coaches and athletes at the Olympic Training Camp in Nymburk (CZE).
The more we communicate directly with those involved, the more accurately we can tailor our support to the different needs,
explains Kneitinger. The bare figures show that EJU aid is becoming even more efficient year after year. Financial aid or aid in kind within the EJU pandemic programme totalled one million euros in the last two years. More than 200,000 euros was transferred to the Ukrainian federation in the previous year in the form of emergency crisis aid.
What does the EJU support for the national federations look like in concrete terms this year?
We offer mats, judogi and scales at special prices. We pay for athletes from smaller countries to take part in training camps and competitions. In the case of Ukraine, in addition to direct aid, we have also instructed all organisers to exempt the Ukrainian team from participation fees. Furthermore, we are also helping the tournament organisers with the purchase of various materials.
At the World Championships in Doha at the beginning of May, Kneitinger, together with President László TOTH, will hold further talks with European federation representatives, athletes and coaches. The main topic: where and how the EJU can help in the preparation for the next top events, first and foremost the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Author: EJU Media