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The British Judo Association
was represented at the Suffolk Show for the first time this year
by the Eastern Area at at Suffolk Sport Village.
The highly-popular event
attracts thousands of people over the two days is and one of the
highlights of the calendar within the county as well as being
one of the largest county shows in the country.
For the past few years
Suffolk Sport County Sports Partnership has had an area in which
to demonstrate and deliver sport and physical activity. Last year
the Suffolk Sport Village won the coveted Attraction of the Year
last year at the show. This year it was bigger and better than
ever and received the London 2012 Inspire Mark.
As a result of the increase
in size and also the close relationship British Judo has with
Suffolk Sport meant that judo was offered a chance to become one
of the key sports in the village. With a large marquee and mat
area, along with a second demo area and key slots in the main
demo tent, judo had a great opportunity to showcase itself to
around 70% of the population of Suffolk.
Mandeville and Nicole Nunn lead the way
There was a detailed schedule
of demonstrations, Come and Try opportunities as well as the Judo
Challenge which allows people of all ages to learn 12 movements,
techniques and falls to give show them the basic principles of
the Olympic sport.
Those who took part received
a prize while we also had randori (free fighting) sessions that
demonstrated the variety within the sport. One of the most positive
things about the day was that the club’s in the county delivered
the sessions after British Judo initially organised their participation.
British Judo Development
Coach Nicole Nunn come unveiled Judo Fit to the Suffolk public
at the biggest stage of all, the lunchtime main stage. Once again
using the clubs as part of the demo the Judo Fit demonstration
was met by interest and smiles from the public who were keen to
try out the new fitness class.
Mandeville and Eastern Development Officer Andrew Wilesmith
There was also a guest
star on the mat as London 2012 mascot Mandeville came on to take
part in the Judo Fit demo. Over 250 people tried the sport in
a very entertaining, exciting and fun environment.
Andrew Wilesmith, Regional
Development Officer for the East, said: “It was a fantastic couple
of days, the hard work the clubs put in to make the day a success
meant it ran very smoothly.
“Without the support of
the local clubs these events either wouldn’t happen or wouldn’t
be as successful as this one was. It was great to get Mandeville
on the mat and also reassuring that parents, adults and children
had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the sport.
A special thanks goes to the Suffolk Enjoy Judo team in Dave Martin
and David Oates for their hard work and also to Hollesley Judo
Club, Felixstowe Judo Club, Ipswich Judo Club and Kumo (Crowfield)
Judo Club for their fantastic work over the two days.”
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