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London to host 2018 Intellectual Disability European Championships

Following on from the resounding success and recognition of the first Intellectual Disability (ID) World Championships, which was supported by the International Judo Federation, British Judo have been given the same support from the European Judo Union (EJU) to run the first European Championships of its kind.

Two young women taking part in judo event

GB Judo had a very successful outing to the ID World Championships in Cologne last year winning seven medals including five gold.

The British Judo Association have been striving to improve the offering of adaptive judo across Great Britain and the event is just reward for the Association following excellent feedback from the EJU about the bid.

President of the EJU, Sergey Soloveychik said: 

“Judo is considered to be one of the most valuable sports for judo athletes with intellectual disability and I am positive that the Championships in London would become an important milestone for judoka from many nations.

“I am also convinced that the event in London would be a great success and a very positive step towards the inclusion of ID into the judo sporting environment.”

Adaptive Judo lead at the British Judo Association, Kerry Tansey headed up the bid and was thrilled with the decision to land the event in London.

Kerry said:

“To receive the official email from the President of the EJU supporting the event is amazing for our Adaptive Judo Athletes.

“Small steps are being achieved in recognition for our athletes on the World and European stage. This is an amazing opportunity for us to host the event following the success of the IJF World ID Championships in Cologne in October 2017.

“Everyone involved within the working group to make this opportunity happen have to be commended for their dedication, patience and perseverance.  Special thanks to Jane Bridge-Charlot in supporting us too.”

Following the ID Europeans, the venue will be hosting the British Open Adaptive Judo Championships where disabled people of all abilities will be able to compete.

The 2018 Intellectual Disability European Championships will be held on 23-24 August at the SportsDock, University of East London.

More information about this event will be available on British Judo website in the near future. 

Photo credit: British Judo