A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from December:
Hi Judo Community,
I can’t believe that this is the final message of 2022. How the year has flown!
One of the first major events this month was the Board of Directors meeting on 6th December. We’d previously asked any Board members who were interested in the role of Vice Chair, to make themselves known. I was delighted to see that, of the 7 available directors, 3 of them put their names forward. It’s great to see such interest in all areas of JudoScotland and people willing to step up.
And I’m delighted to announce that, after much deliberation, Gordon McCathie was selected to fulfil the role. Well done Gordon. I’m looking forward to working closely with you.
On 7th December, myself, Judith and members of the JudoScotland Team attended the Scottish Sports Awards at the EICC. Sarah Adlington and Hamilton Judo Club were both nominated for awards and made it to the final four in their respective categories, unfortunately, they missed out on the award on the night however it was fantastic to see Scottish Judo recognised on the Scottish sports stage.
We all enjoyed the get-together, and it was a pleasure to spend the evening with one of my pupils – Kirsty Marsh. She started as a 5-year-old at our Dunfermline Club and I’m very proud of the way she’s developed, and the fine person she’s grown into. This year she’s shown great resilience, coming through a major injury to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games – whilst studying AND coaching in the very hall where she started as a young judoka!
On 12th December we had the British Championships. Congratulation to all those who participated and what fabulous results – Scottish judoka won 47 medals (29 pre-cadet/cadet, 7 Junior and 11 senior). Very impressive team!
I’ve just written a year-end message to the broader JudoScotland team to thank them for all their hard work this year. I acknowledged that it’s been a challenging – but ultimately rewarding year. Change is never easy but I’m seeing a real willingness and openness across the piece to step up and to innovate. So well done to each and every one of them!
And finally, I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank our judo community – clubs, members, coaches, volunteers, families and the wider JudoScotland team for all their support this year. As I write this our membership is up to 97% pre-covid, an unbelievable recovery, with I’m sure more to come! It really does bring to mind that old Japanese proverb: Fall Down Seven Times, Get up Eight!
To close, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Slainte from the Chair and let’s smash 2023!
Thanks,
Marc Preston, Chairman, 6th Dan