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Three judo clubs were honoured
at the Medway Council Awards as the Olympic sport continues to
flourish in Kent.
The high-profile awards
are organised in association with the University of Kent and Medway
Messenger to recognise the achievements and dedication of Medway
athletes, coaches, clubs, teams and schools.
Judo rose to prominence
in the coach of the year category as the gold medal went to Medkwai
Judo Club’s Laura Jarvis-Baker.
Club chairman and senior
coach Steve Hunter was quick to pay tribute to his award-winning
colleague.
“Laura fully justifies
the recognition for her enthusiastic coaching skills,” he said.
“For a newly qualified
UKCC level two coach to come into a club which is already established
and develop our membership so significantly is impressive.
“To do this while she also
manages her young family and the training and competitions necessary
for her Dan grade is a major achievement.”
The criteria for the award
included demonstrating outstanding coaching skills, contributing
to sporting opportunities and reinforcing the sporting values
of respect and fair play.
Medway’s junior club of
the year award saw Walderslade Judo Club take gold ahead of their
counterparts Riverside who took bronze.
The criteria included a
good committee structure, clubmark status, a commitment to developing
coaches and providing a safe environment for children to enjoy
sport.
Steve added: “ Judo in
the Medway is well supported by Medway Council's Sport and Club
Development and the local clubs and community benefit from this.
To achieve recognition at these awards and the publicity
it brings is good for all Judo clubs in the area - especially
in these difficult financial times.”
Medkwai Judo Club is based
at St Marys Community Centre, Chatham, ME4 3EP. Boys and girls
train on a Tuesday at 19:30 – 20:30 while men and women follow
at 20:30 – 22:00.
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