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MEMBERS OF WEMYSS BAY JUDO CLUB MEDAL AT BRITISH CLOSED SPECIAL NEEDS - JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Three members of Wemyss Bay Judo Club’s Special Needs section travelled to Newcastle to compete in the British Closed Special needs judo championships and represent Scotland.



Players are divided into categories depending on their, weight, judo level and where possible disabilities. Players can start from standing, kneeling or stomach position.

First up on the day was Cameron Ward, he is an experienced competitior and well known in the British circuit. Cameron competed in newaza (kneeling start) scores are achieved by getting your opponent on their back and holding them down. Cameron was in a new weight category and was the lowest grade in his pool, he fought with his usual determination and secured the Bronze medal place in style. After Cameron left the venue he headed straight back to Greenock to cheer his brother Andrew on while he completed the Clyde Swim. Two major achievements in one day for the brothers!

Next up was Owen Kelly, this was Owens first time at a National event representing his country. Owen competed in tachiwaza (standing start). Although slightly nervous on the day, he used his techniques well and displayed some excellent judo. Owen fought his way through to the final and was narrowly beaten by a more experienced competitor. He proudly stood on the rostrum to receive his Silver medal.

Siobhan Crumlish was the smallest competitor at the championships and there were no girls her size for her to fight, Siobhan was therefore put in with the boys to fight. She is used to this in training so it didn’t deter her focus. She put into practice combinations and technique she had been working on and was delighted to fight her way to the well deserved Bronze medal.

Special needs judo is very much growing in Britain and all the competitors who medalled will now be considered for selection of the junior Great Britain Team. Scotland had the highest entry at the championships which is a massive difference from the previous dominance from England and Wales.

Coach Suzi Kirkpatrick said, “It is fantastic to watch the youngsters compete at national level, they are now focusing on Baarlo open championships which will be held in Holland in November. This will be excellent experience for them both on the judo mat and with socialising with the other teams. I am extremely proud of them as they all put a great deal of effort into their training and I would like to thank the parents, officials and referees for all their ongoing support.”

Wemyss Bay Judo Club and Scottish SN Judo would like to thank the Royale Club in Gourock and its members for their support in fundraising, especially Tony Warren who arranged the night for us. Thank you also to our anonymous donor of £500 and the friends, family and parents who all turned up and helped us have a great night.

Wemyss Bay Judo Club is a fully inclusive club and train on a Friday 6.30 – 8.00 in the Wemyss Bay Community Hall. Anyone wishing to try judo is welcome to come along or contact Suzi on 07931 670 950 or at wemyssbayjudo@yahoo.co.uk

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