Murray McConnell from Danderhall Judo Club will join the team of four judoka selected to represent Great Britain at the European Para Youth Games, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey from 25th to 27th July.
This marks a historic moment as the British judo team makes its debut at the prestigious event, aiming to make an immediate impact on this stage.
The European Para Youth Games is a multi-sport event held every two years, providing young athletes with disabilities from across Europe a platform to compete internationally. With over 25 countries expected to participate, it serves as a key stepping stone toward future elite competition, including the Paralympic Games.
The athletes will be accompanied by British Judo’s Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach Ian Johns and will experience their first taste of a multi-sport event. This includes not only the competition but also vital elements such as athlete classification, the opening and closing ceremonies, anti-doping education, and the overall environment of an elite, multi-sport setting.
British Judo Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach, Ian Johns said, “The four fighters we have are all at a very good level, and I am very excited to see what they can achieve.
“They have worked so hard in their clubs, and I am so appreciative of the club coaches who have spent hours preparing the fighters.
“We have had a huge surge of visually impaired fighters after multiple successful Paralympic Games, and the club coaches have adapted their sessions to make judo inclusive for them all.”
It promises to be an incredible learning experience for everyone involved, and we wish Murray the best of luck for the competition.