A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from October.
Hi all
As I mentioned in the last report, The Gathering took place over the last weekend in September/first in October. I’d just like to reiterate what a magnificent event it was, featuring a world-class line-up. A big thank you goes to Shohei Ono, Masashi Ebinuma, and Kana Ebinuma as well as to Mike Callan and all the staff involved in organising it. This is a particularly busy period for JudoScotland and I was delighted at how well this sell-out event was delivered.
October was a busy time for JudoScotland and for our sport in general. Amongst other things, the final Grand Prix event was hosted by Highland Budokan in Inverness. The feedback I’ve heard was very good and again, congratulations to all those involved in the organisation and to those who entered – you are what the sport is all about.
We announced our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Award winners, had the Scottish Masters sessions at Ratho, The East of Scotland Adaptive Judo Session, NTC Open mat sessions, and much more ……. well done to everyone involved in helping to grow judo in Scotland.
From a performance aspect, I was delighted to see 3 Scots selected for the GB team at the European Championships in the Senior and U23 categories – congratulations to Stuart McWatt, Ollie Short and Finlay Allan who are all great ambassadors as well as athletes.
In October I joined a session in the Scottish Governing Bodies Chair Network, chaired by Ewen Cameron of sportscotland. The idea of the forum is that Chairs of Scottish sports have the chance to get together to discuss topics of common interest, gleaning ideas and experience from other sports and people in similar roles. This time we discussed board diversity, succession planning and how our various sports can best work together. I have to say it was a very positive and collaborative session – very interesting to hear where other sports are on their journeys and to benefit from their experience.
In terms of succession planning, we are seeking feedback from our young members and club leaders to help shape our Young Leaders Programme. If you haven’t already, please provide your input – it does make a difference.
Looking ahead to November, I will be representing JudoScotland at the upcoming British Judo AGM at which Ronnie Saez will be stepping down as British Judo Chair after 12 years in post. We at JudoScotland wish Ronnie all the very best with whatever he decides to do in the future.
Marc Preston
6th Dan