Together, the European Judo Union and Croatian Judo Federation have organised the 6th EJU Judo Festival, the fourth to be held in the beautiful city of Poreč. With an astounding attendance of over 1500 judoka from 47 countries, the Plava Laguna Resort is overflowing with passionate athletes, coaches and representatives.
As always the popular OTC has attracted over 550 athletes including Rio 2016 Olympic Champions, Majlinda KELMENDI (KOS), Lukas KRPALEK (CZE), Khasan KHALMURZAEV (RUS) and Tina TRSTENJAK (SLO). TRSTENJAK proved to be a particular favourite with the Special Needs Seminar today as there were many Slovenian judoka among the 46 participants.
Opening the press conference in the Hotel Parentium, EJU Vice President, Jane Bridge addressed the attendants,
Welcome everybody and special thanks to city of Poreč and Plava Laguna. We have a unique event here in the world, all thanks to these organisations coming together.
The EJU General Secretary, Ezio Gamba, echoed Bridge’s comments,
I would like to thank the Croatian Judo Federation, offering an amazing place like this, this year we have amazing results, increasing the number from last year so we would like to say a special thanks to the organisation.
Alongside the EJU members were the Mayor of Poreč, Loris PERŠURIĆ; Chairman of the Board of Plava Laguna, Neven STAVER; Director of the Tourist Board of Poreč Nenad VELENIK and President of the Croatian Judo Federation, Sanda Čorak.
Čorak was extremely happy that Croatia could host yet another Festival following the success of previous years. She believes it is one of the rare occasions you see so many athletes together outside of a competition setting, and that this is possibly the biggest gathering of judoka in Europe.
The Croatian President was pleased that after a long, rainy month of May, the sun finally came up and that another year is followed by great weather, believing it is a major factor which attracts athletes to return year after year. Aside from the OTC, there is the Science and Research Symposium with sixteen presentations Kodokan Seminars, Improve Your Club, Cadet Training Camp, U15 and U13 Training Camp and of course the renowned Family Camp. The participation has increased across the wide range of events they have here in Poreč, the Special Needs Seminar being the newest thing that they have ever tried, Čorak gave thanks and all credit to Marina Drašković, coach of Fuji Judo Club for disabilities in Velika Gorica for this breakthrough addition.
As this is only the third day, there is still much more to come and enjoy in all aspects of the Festival 2019.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen