Medals galore for Judo Team Ireland in Switzerland
The Irish team at the International Adaptive Judo Festival in Switzerland.
27 team members from Judo Assist Team Ireland traveled to the picturesque town of Poschiavo, Switzerland earlier this month to take part in one of the biggest and best adaptive/inclusive judo festivals on the international judo calendar.
The Irish team consisted of eleven adaptive judo players (9 from Tipperary and 2 from Wexford), two coaches, two officials and twelve supporters and parents.
The team had been training hard for this event and some for almost a year; It was the first time they represented Ireland on the international stage.
On the first day, over 200 athletes arrived in Poschiavo with their trainers and coaches, ready for the start of the festival. After checking in, everyone enjoyed dinner together at Punto Rosso. As Poschiavo is in the Italian/Swiss mountains, the food had a very Italian influence. On the first morning, all athletes gathered in the sports arena to take part in an international welcome training session. All Irish athletes were in good shape and in true Irish spirit they quickly set about making new friends.
After the training, it was time to try some of the best pizzas in town – the delegations were divided into groups and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at several fine restaurants across the city. After lunch it was time for the first outing of the festival. Our team opted for a boat trip around Lake Puschla. With stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, Team Ireland enjoyed a little team bonding and relaxation before the competition began.
Friday was the first day of competition, starting with a mixed team event. This event mixes athletes from different countries and forms teams of nine who compete against each other individually. Team Ireland took their positions on their respective teams and the competition began.
Every Team Ireland competitor put on an incredible performance, some winning all of their competitions and some winning some of their competitions. In true sportsmanship they were modest in success and merciful in defeat. By the end of day one Team Ireland had secured their first international medals of the Championships with 3 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals.
Friday continued with a train ride up the mountains to the summit viewpoint where the team could relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The evening hosted the EU-funded Autjudo (Autism/Judo) Research Projects Conference, which featured Judo Assist President James Mulroy as a guest speaker.
Saturday was the main competition day where 200 competitors from fifteen countries would compete for the prestigious titles and medals of a major international event.
Ireland team competitors Anoushka Davies, Thomas Galvin, Aife Dalton, Grainne O’Mahoney, Kyle Alexander, Eoghan McCarthy, Sean Og Davitt, Lochlann Davitt, David Holland-Colman, Sam Fryday and Vinnie Graham did their best and did Ireland, their coaches, parents, supporters and themselves are proud.
The overall medal tally for the individual competition was: 2x gold, 2x silver, 3x bronze, 3x 4th place and 1x 5th place. This was an incredible result for Team Ireland and put them at the top of the medal table.
“As an organization we are so proud of Team Ireland and all they have achieved together,” said James Mulroy, President of Judo Assist Ireland.
“We are fortunate and honored to have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people. The team represented Ireland with class and a truly inclusive spirit. Lifelong memories and friendships were made at this event and others like it.”
The next scheduled event is the International Tipperary Friendship Inclusion Games, taking place in Nenagh on November 12th and 13th. Over 180 competitors from across Ireland, UK, Switzerland and Italy will converge on the historic town of Nenagh for the world’s only judo event of its kind.
The local, national and international partners helping to make this happen are: Danroe International, DHL, Specsavers, Ladybirds Nenagh, Costello’s Gala Nenagh, Nenagh Equestrian Centre, Skehanagh Windfarm, Lodge Security, Zipyard Nenagh, Mr Binman and Puckane National School.
Judo Assist Ireland is dedicated to promoting and developing inclusive judo nationally and internationally. We operate a national/international special needs/autism activity and inclusion program specifically designed to promote physical activity, inclusion, competitiveness and well-being for a wide range of people with a variety of abilities and disabilities.
Information on Judo Assist Ireland can be found at www.judoassist.ie