The Adapted Judo community is gearing up for a thrilling and action-packed conclusion to 2024, as athletes gather in Venray, Netherlands, for two significant events that mark an important step forward for the sport. From November 20-21, the inaugural Open European II Judo Championships (Intellectual Impairment) 2024 will take place, serving as an official test event for what is expected to become an annual European Championship for Adapted judoka.
For the “Open” test event, the European Judo Union (EJU) has focused this year’s event solely on intellectually impaired judoka (Levels 1 and 2). The decision to limit participation to these classifications was made to simplify the organisation and logistics for this first-time event, with a broader scope planned for future championships. With it not yet being a fully enclosed European Championships, for this year, non-European countries are welcome too.
This year’s competition will provide valuable insights and experience to ensure the successful execution of the upcoming European Championships. Looking ahead to 2025, the EJU plans to expand the event to include a wider range of diagnoses and levels.
Immediately following the Open European II Judo Championships, the EJU Get Together Tournament will take centre stage from November 22-23 (Level 1-5). This event will bring even more athletes from across Europe and beyond, offering them the chance to showcase their skills and continue growing the sport of Adapted Judo.
The Netherlands, recognised as a leading country for Adapted Judo in Europe, is an ideal host for these pivotal year-end events. The nation’s commitment to promoting and developing Adapted Judo has helped to boost the sport’s visibility and growth across Europe.
Details on athlete eligibility, classifications, and the full event outline for both the Open European II Judo Championships and the EJU Get Together Tournament are now available online.
With both events on the horizon, the Adapted Judo community is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to celebrate the incredible skill and perseverance of its athletes, while also taking crucial steps towards building a more inclusive future for the sport.
Outline: Open European II Judo Championships
Outline: EJU Get Together Tournament
Author: Szandra Szogedi