London Named Host of 2018 Intellectual Disability European Championships

British Judo are pleased to announce that London has been named the host of the first Intellectual Disability (ID) European Championships.

Following on from the resounding success and recognition of the first ID World Championships, which was supported by the International Judo Federation, British Judo have been given the same support from the European Judo Union (EJU) to run the first European Championships of its kind.

GB Judo had a very successful outing to the ID World Championships in Cologne last year winning seven medals including five gold.

The BJA have been striving to improve the offering of adaptive judo across Great Britain and the event is just reward for the Association following excellent feedback from the EJU about our bid.

“Judo is considered to be one of the most valuable sports for judo athletes with intellectual disability and I am positive that the Championships in London would become an important milestone for judoka from many nations.” commented Sergey Soloveychik, President, EJU.

“I am also convinced that the event in London would be a great success and a very positive step towards the inclusion of ID into the judo sporting environment.”

Adaptive Judo lead at the BJA, Kerry Tansey headed up the bid and was thrilled with the decision to land the event in London.

“To receive the official email from the President of the EJU supporting the event is amazing for our Adaptive Judo Athletes.”

“Small steps are being achieved in recognition for our athletes on the World and European stage.  This is an amazing opportunity for us to host the event following the success of the IJF World ID Championships in Cologne in October 2017.”

“Everyone involved within the working group to make this opportunity happen have to be commended for their dedication, patience and perseverance.  Special thanks to Jane Bridge-Charlot in supporting us too.”

Following the ID Europeans, the venue will be hosting the British Open Adaptive Judo Championships whereby all levels of disability will compete.

The 2018 European Intellectual Disability European Championships will be held on 23rd-24th August at the SportsDock, University of East London, Docklands Campus, University Way, London, E16 2RD

 More information about the event will follow shortly.