It is a bittersweet conclusion to the weekend of the 2024 U23 European Championships in Pila, Poland, as we say goodbye to a wonderful host city, as well as President Jacek ZAWADKA.
Though Zawadka holds a position in the European Judo Union, and he will be still be on the circuit, it is time to hang up his hat as president as his term comes to an end. During the competition, EJU President, Dr Laszlo TOTH presented the EJU Order of Merit to Zawadka, for his invaluable service in the world of Polish and European judo.
I think the organisation of the event was incredible, I’m happy and in my opinion it’s one of the best events this year, [he laughs] I’m sorry if that sounds a little egotistical but I think my team were excellent, the organisation was perfect and most importantly, our sport quality was also good. For us, it wasn’t so much a new challenge, just a new place, our team knows what it means to organise this kind of competition because they organise the Poznan event in this region. The only addition was transport but then it was so close to the venue it was perfect.
Though the results may not reflect the hopes of the Polish Judo Association, those competing have only recently made their mark as cadet athletes on the European and World stage.
We have to keen an eye out for these young people from Poland, in my opinion we have this golden age now, we took six medals in Lima in the Cadet World Championships, and two of them took two medals here. I think the next board should look to take great care of them and have a good strategy in place. I will help of course or do my best at least.
With the association elections held on December 1st this is the final tournament Zawadka will attend as president.
It’s maybe a little emotional, I will stay involved in sport in Poland, in the clubs, and I have been invited to the EJU Executive Committee by Laszlo Toth so I will remain very close with judo. We have already discussed with the EJU president about hosting a European Championships in Poland for adapted judo or veterans next so I think we will be back with a big event in Poland.
The only negative is that I wish we’d taken an Olympic medal in my presidency but really, I think my team and I have done a really good job, this event in Pila is a great highlight for me, to see the high quality of judo, the new generation that have come through our system, education, and the coaches, we have created a great base for the future, so I’m just very happy.
Author: Thea Cowen