Author: Michel Vermeersch / Images: Bas de Wilde
On 11–12 April 2026, Judo Belgium and the European Judo Union (EJU), in close collaboration with the City of Kortrijk and Judo Kortrijk, will host the Triglav Insurance Get Together Tournament, an Adapted Judo event, at the Lange Munte Sports Centre.
The tournament brings together judoka from across Europe, offering an inclusive competitive platform for athletes with intellectual, physical, visual and hearing impairments. In an accessible and supportive environment, judoka and teams will come together not only to compete but to share in the spirit and values of judo.
This edition marks a significant milestone, as Belgium joins the European Adapted Judo Tour for the first time. The event is supported by many, including Olympic medallist and judo icon Gella Vandecaveye acting as patron of the project.
A seven-time European champion, Vandecaveye enjoyed an extraordinary career at the highest level. She claimed her first world title in 1993 and, over the following decade, established herself as one of the sport’s most dominant figures, earning numerous accolades including the 1999 European Judoka of the Year award. On the Olympic stage, she secured silver in 1996 and bronze in 2000, cementing her place among Belgium’s sporting greats.
Her presence in Kortrijk reflects a long-standing commitment to adapted judo. Speaking during a mat-based press conference in the lead-up to the event, where she also joined a preparation session on the tatami, Vandecaveye underlined the deeper significance of the initiative:
“Adapted judo athletes get a chance to practise sport, to develop themselves, to invest in their health and to break out of isolation. They are not left on the fringes of society.”
She added: “I have seen it before, during the Special Olympics, so much enthusiasm, so many happy faces. Taking part is more important than winning, and I want to give children the opportunity to be active because exercise is a basic right.”
Highlighting the importance of the host city’s role, she noted: “It is not something to be taken for granted that Kortrijk is organising a European adapted judo tournament. I think it is fantastic that the city is bringing this here. We can be proud of that.”
Alongside the competition, Judo Vlaanderen is actively contributing to the development of adapted judo through a dedicated educational programme. In cooperation with EJU specialists, a clinic will be organised for judoka and coaches, focusing on teaching methods for athletes with disabilities. The aim is clear: to strengthen knowledge, improve accessibility and support the continued growth of inclusive judo within Belgian judo clubs.
An open inclusion training session will also take place during the event, further reinforcing the message that judo is a sport for all. The tournament will be open to the public free of charge throughout the weekend, offering a unique opportunity to witness the true spirit of inclusion. Vandecaveye herself will be present on Sunday.
Updated Schedule
Author: EJU Media