Venray is the host of two pivotal tournament this week, the Open European II Judo Championships 2024 and the last EJU Get Together Tournament of the year. Kickstarting the week with the Open Europeans, the Sporthal de Wetteling Venray will welcome athletes with intellectual impairments under the guidelines of the European Judo Union Adapted Judo framework.
This prestigious event warmly welcomes competitors who meet the eligibility criteria, including those classified under Virtus II1 & II2, Special Olympics or holding recognised documentation confirming an IQ of 75 or below. Divisioning, conducted the day before the competition, will determine whether each athlete competes in Level 1 or Level 2. The process will be overseen by an Official EJU Adapted Judo Expert, who will make the final decision regarding each competitor’s level of participation.
The following weight categories will feature in this landmark inaugural event, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in adapted judo.
LEVEL 1:
Women: -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, +70kg
Men: -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, +90kg
LEVEL 2:
Women: -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, +70kg
Men: -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, +90kg
For more information, please refer to the official event OUTLINE for all details.
This event promises to showcase the remarkable skill and dedication of adapted judo athletes while advancing inclusivity within the sport. As we embrace the full potential of this competition, we also reflect on the successful launch of the Adapted Judo Tour. Sharing his thoughts on this significant milestone, the President of the European Judo Union, Dr. TOTH László, expressed his pride and optimism for the future of adapted judo.
It is with great pride and immense joy that I can address you today at the culmination of an extraordinary journey, the launch of the Adapted Judo Tour and its first European Championship test event.
This year marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of judo. We have taken a significant step toward inclusivity and representation, creating a platform where judoka of all abilities can demonstrate their skills, in both, kata and shiai.
The Adapted Judo Tour, under the name ‘EJU Get Together’, is more than a series of events; it is a movement. It stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we unite as a global community, breaking barriers and ensuring that no judoka is left behind. Non which would have been possible without the determination of all coaches and national federations who have been nurturing this field for years.
This week’s test event is a milestone that will inspire generations of adapted judo athletes to dream bigger, train harder, and reach higher.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the organising committees, coaches, families, and supporters who have championed this cause. But most importantly, to the athletes: you are the heart and soul of this tour. Your resilience and dedication remind us why we do what we do: to empower, to uplift and to inspire.
As we witness the first chapter of this incredible journey unfold at the Open European II Championship (Intellectual Impairment), let us commit to continuing this legacy, ensuring adapted judo has the recognition and platform it deserves. Together, we are not just building a tour; we are building a future.
Thank you, and may this week’s event be a shining example of what adapted judo can achieve.
To follow all information don’t forget the join the official EJU Adapted Judo Telegram Channel by scanning the QR code.
Author: Szandra Szogedi