Incredibly, despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus across the globe, the Portuguese Judo Federation have been able to welcome a number of international athletes for a training camp in Coimbra, Portugal.
This international training camp is taking place until the 26th of August and is inclusive, not only of European athletes from France and Spain but further afield, accepting athletes from Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and the Olympic Team of Brazil.
The Portuguese Judo Federation has provided all the conditions to train safely in times of COVID-19, accepting only athletes who tested negative for COVID-19 by swab test. Each athlete needed to be tested before starting the training camp and every 15 days, to ensure safety for the training group.
The Federation signed a protocol with the University of Coimbra Laboratory, which will be testing at the hotel, with results ready the next day at a very accessible price.
Displaying the first steps back to normality and positive signs of returning to the tatami, this is exciting news for judoka.
Author: Thea Cowen