The development of Adapted Judo programmes are positively racing across Europe and overseas and showing no signs of slowing down. Most recently, Israeli judo reached a landmark moment with the country’s first-ever National Adapted Judo Championships, held in Jerusalem in a display of sporting excellence, inclusion and national pride.
Approximately 50 athletes from across Israel gathered alongside their personal coaches and families for the historic competition, which was conducted according to EJU standards. The championship featured divisions by functional levels and disability classifications, fully adhering to the rules and regulations used in international competitions.
The event presented the fruits of dedicated collaboration between the Israel Judo Association and the Israel Sports Association for the Disabled. The competition also included visually impaired athletes competing in Paralympic judo, accompanied by head coach Yarden Meyerson and Shaked Amichai, an Israeli national team athlete who works alongside her in this field.
Adding honour and inspiration to the occasion, Timna Nelson-Levy, Olympic judoka and Israeli national team member, led the medal ceremonies, a moment that resonated deeply with all present.
The championship was brought to life through the tireless dedication of Aviv Reguan, Coordinator of Adapted Judo in Israel and Yoel Libster, Chairman of the Mitav Jerusalem Judo Club and board member of the Israel Judo Association. Their commitment proved instrumental in transforming vision into reality.
Distinguished guests included Moshe Ponti, President of the Israel Judo Association, Noam Greenberg, CEO, and Eliran Malka, Deputy CEO. Organisational support came from John Tzuri, Sports Programmes Coordinator at Special Olympics Israel and Reuven Astrakhan, CEO of Virtus. The Pisgat Ze’ev Community Administration, led by Gita Broverman, generously provided the venue.
Above all, the event honoured the personal coaches who undertake meaningful work daily with their athletes, work that extends far beyond sport into the realms of empowerment, dignity and opportunity.
This historic championship marks not an endpoint but a beginning…, a foundation upon which Israeli adapted judo will continue to grow, strengthen and move forward together. Adapted Judo programmes.
Author: Israel Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media