The inaugural Open European Judo Championships Intellectual Impairment Venray 2024 showcased incredible passion, joy, and dedication. Among the 11 participating countries, Great Britain claimed the top spot in the overall medal standings with Belgium and Poland securing second and third places, respectively. Remarkably, with the exception of Serbia, every participating country had the opportunity to celebrate and sing their national anthem at least once, highlighting the spirit of unity and achievement that defined this historic event.
Narcisa CANTEA LORENA MARIA (ROU) won the Level 2 -63kg category and after her final bout she was thrilled to share her thoughts;
I feel very good and I am extremely happy because of my fight. It went really well, and I’m proud of how I performed. All the effort and training I put in paid off, and it’s such an amazing feeling to see it all come together. It was a great experience.
Sean ALLAN (GBR), winner of the Level 2 -81kg category, proudly expressed his feelings too;
I feel so proud; this is truly an amazing feeling. It was a tough fight, and I have to admit I was a bit nervous beforehand but I stayed focused and gave it my all.
KRIZONICS Adam (HUN), who’s role model is Olympic bronze medallist Hungarian judo icon, TOTH Krisztian, poured his heart out following his gold medal win in the Level 1 -73kg category;
I am European Champion, wow, I had really tough fights today. I enjoyed it all and now I am European Champion. I have been doing this for over 9 years and I love judo and I represent Hungary with pride. I put a lot of work into this not only on the mat but otherwise. The reason saying is becuase I live in a town call Tokod and I travel to Budapest by train. The train ride is 2 hours then I have to take the metro and the bus, so all in all almost 3 hours travel and then I train for 1,5-2 hours and make the same return journey. Thanks to judo and this sport that I have persistence to do this multiply times per week. I loved every minute of today, thank you to everyone for creating this memory for us.
Furthermore, Serbian coach, Sajonela KRGA had delivered her overview of this historic event;
I think this competition was well organised and we are grateful to have this event established. A European Championships is an important event not only for EJU but for our teams too. I am pleased that we see inclusion lifted to the next level as now we have adapted judo European championships. This is a very important step not only in judo but for the society.
EJU Vice President, Ms Kristiina PEKKOLA also addressed the audience during the opening ceremony of the event;
It is a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate not just a competition but a testament to the spirit of inclusivity, perseverance and excellence in sport. This championship marks a significant milestone in the history of adapted judo. We are gathered here to witness the incredible talents of athletes who have overcome numerous challenges to be here today. Your dedication and passion for judo inspire us all and remind us of the true essence of sport, unity, respect, and determination. Thank you all for being here and for supporting adapted judo. Your day may be filled with unforgettable moments of triumph and joy.
Finally, IJF representative, Ms KARAKAS Hedvig, came to Venray to observe this historic day. After all the medal ceremonies she summed her views on this ever growing field;
Adapted judo plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals of all abilities can experience the numerous benefits that the sport of judo offers. Beyond being a martial art, judo serves as a powerful tool for personal growth, building self-confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging within a supportive community. By adapting the sport to meet the diverse needs of its participants, adapted judo truly embodies the spirit of “judo for all,” ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone to thrive.
On behalf of the International Judo Federation (IJF), I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for the kind invitation to this remarkable event. It is inspiring to witness the dedication and effort invested by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in creating an environment that promotes inclusion and celebrates the unique abilities of all judoka. Congratulations to the LOC for hosting such an extraordinary and impactful event, which exemplifies the true values of judo.
Today, Sporthal de Wetteling in Venray became a shining symbol of equality and inclusivity, where the judo family united as one, celebrating the sport and embracing our shared way of life, regardless of individual abilities.
Author: Szandra Szogedi