Today on the 15th of September, the Gdansk Get Together Tournament 2024 welcomed the Vice President of the European Judo Union, Sergei ASCHWANDEN, Polish Judo Assication Board Member, Tomasz GADAJ and Founder of ADA Judo Fun, organiser of the this event, Adriana Dadci Smoliniec to give the welcome words during the opening ceremony.
Aschwanden addressed the judoka, families and officials,
Dear ladies and gentlemen, coaches, referees, Ada and your team. In the name of the European Judo Union, I would to thank you for organising this Get Together Tournament, the third event this year. Every time I am assisting to these competitions I have a huge respect, first to all of you coaches and the work you do with these wonderful athletes, to all of you volunteers, officials, referees, I am convinced that this event is a fantastic example of inclusion. Important for me is the collaboration and partnership between the national federation, clubs and the EJU. I would also like to thank the EJU team, media, doctor, sports, referee and last but not least, to Ada and all of her team.
Gadaj was pleased to address the arena,
On behalf of Polish Judo Association President, Jacek ZAWADKA and the board, I’d like to express my joy that the city of Gdansk has been awarded the organisation of this adapted judo event by the EJU. I would like to thank Ada from ADA Judo Fun for taking on the task of organising this event on site. I wish you all good luck and a pleasant stay in Gdansk, remember all of you are winners.
Following the opening speech, Gadaj had the honour of honouring the founder of ADA, 2002 European Champion, Adriana Dadci Smoliniec, who after accepting the award, addressed her team and those visiting Poland,
I would like to welcome all of you, not only for me or ADA Judo Fun, but to all of the members. With this event, we show inclusion and we are here for judo. Sport sets a fantastic example and we can show how it can be done with dignity and great joy. The reason for our presence here is judo. We are here because we have a passion for this sport and now you will see some of the best judo in the world.
Not only did the arena hear from the esteemed speakers, but the opening ceremony saw an inspiring video from ADA Judo Fun, as well as a live performance from drummers, a demonstration from judoka and gymnasts, fuelling the competitors.
Author: Thea Cowen