Gran Canaria Judo Shines at the 57th Manuel Campos Tournament
The 57th edition of the Manuel Campos Judo Tournament,known as the ’Copa de gran Canaria’,electrified the Martín Freire Sports City in Gran Canaria on December 21st.Over 200 young judokas,aged 8 to 13,representing 19 clubs across the island,converged for a day of intense competition,camaraderie,and community spirit.
This prestigious tournament, recognized as the longest-running of its kind in Spain, showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of these young athletes. The stands were packed with keen spectators who cheered on the competitors, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the event highlighted the importance of social responsibility. Organized by the Insular Judo Federation of Gran Canaria and sponsored by Campygo, SL, the tournament partnered with Cáritas to collect non-perishable food items for distribution to those in need through the parish centers of Risco San Nicolás and san Francisco.
The young judokas displayed remarkable skill and determination, executing a wide range of techniques honed through rigorous training under the guidance of their coaches.Interestingly, the participation demographics reflected a trend seen in many sports: 70% of the competitors were boys, while 30% were girls. This gender gap was also evident within the age categories, with the Sub 13 category seeing 66% boys and 34% girls, and the Sub 11 category showing 73% boys and 27% girls.
While the competition was fierce,the focus remained on sportsmanship and mutual respect. A few minor injuries occurred during the matches, but the prompt attention of the medical team ensured the well-being of all participants. these incidents served as a reminder of the physical demands of the sport, but they did not dampen the overall spirit of the event.
The 57th Manuel Campos Judo Tournament was a resounding success, celebrating the athletic prowess of young judokas while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
A Legacy of Judo: The 57th Manuel Campos Tournament
The 57th edition of the manuel Campos Judo Tournament, now rebranded as the Gran Canaria Cup, was a resounding success, drawing judokas from across the island and beyond. This prestigious event, a cornerstone of Spanish judo for over half a century, continues to inspire young athletes and foster a love for the sport.
Manuel Campos, the tournament’s founder and driving force, expressed his gratitude to the Federation, participants, clubs, and families for their unwavering support. He emphasized the significance of this year’s tournament, not only for its new branding but also for its charitable initiative of collecting food for those in need. Campos stressed the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “As the most vital base tournament in Spain, we must ensure that boys and girls engage in sports. As I started 57 years ago, the foundation is crucial, as these young athletes are the future of our sport.”
Echoing Campos’ sentiments, Domingo Alfonso, President of the Insular Judo Federation, expressed immense pride in hosting this landmark event. Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of the young judokas filled him with immense satisfaction.
Alejandro Doblado, the Federation’s Technical Director, highlighted the tournament’s elevated status as the “Gran Canaria Cup.” This rebranding reflects the high caliber of competition,especially in the under 13 and under 11 categories. Doblado noted the tournament’s significance in showcasing the burgeoning talent within the sport.The tournament’s success was further enhanced by its impeccable organization. Three spacious combat zones ensured smooth and efficient competition flow. the format, featuring qualifying rounds with double repechage, clear punctuality rules, and the dynamic Golden Score system, kept the competition engaging and exciting.
The 57th Manuel Campos Tournament, now the Gran Canaria Cup, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of judo in Gran Canaria. It not only celebrates athletic excellence but also fosters a sense of community and social responsibility,inspiring generations of judokas to come.
A Thriving Judo Legacy in Gran Canaria
The 57th edition of the Manuel Campos Judo Tournament, also known as the Gran Canaria Cup, showcased the island’s vibrant judo scene. This year’s event saw exciting changes implemented to enhance the competition and spectator experience.
One notable change was the full duration of bronze medal matches, amplifying the intensity and drama for the audience. Previously, these matches might have been shortened, but allowing them to play out in their entirety added a layer of excitement and showcased the determination of the athletes vying for third place.
To ensure punctuality and streamline the tournament, organizers introduced a strict 30-second time limit for judokas to enter the tatami after being called. Failure to appear within this timeframe resulted in an automatic win for their opponent via Fusen-Gachi, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and discipline.
The tournament served as a qualifying event for the Gran Canaria Championship in both junior and juvenile categories, attracting a diverse range of participants. The day commenced with the U-13 category, featuring talented young judokas from clubs like Akari-Las Nieves, Buscan, Batan, Polikata, Saura, Tama, Akita, Villas Claras, and CN Metrópoli.
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the U-11 category, where judokas aged 8 to 10 from clubs like Tama, Akita, Polikata, Batan, Akari-Las Nieves, Villasclaras, Sakura, Bushican, and CN Metropole demonstrated their skills and passion for the sport.The Gran Canaria Cup not only provides a platform for competition but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of judo on the island. The event continues to inspire young athletes and foster a strong judo community in Gran Canaria.
A Legacy of Values: The 57th Judo Tournament in Gran Canaria
Manuel Campos, a prominent figure in Spanish grassroots sports and a champion of youth judo development, continues to leave an indelible mark on the national sporting landscape. His impact extends beyond his notable tenure; he is celebrated for instilling core values like respect,discipline,and solidarity in young athletes. The resounding success of the 57th edition of the judo tournament in Gran Canaria, with its strong community focus, underscores the transformative power of sport.
The event was a resounding success, showcasing the exceptional talent pool of young judokas on the island. This display of skill and dedication serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting the current and future potential of these promising athletes. The tournament fostered a palpable sense of satisfaction among participants and spectators alike,creating a truly inspiring atmosphere.
This year’s tournament attracted over 200 young judokas from across the Canary Islands, a testament to its growing popularity and prestige.The event not only provided a platform for competition but also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie. With over 500 spectators cheering on the young athletes, the tournament served as a vibrant festivity of community spirit and the unifying power of sport.
57th Manuel campos Judo Tournament: An Enduring Legacy of Sportsmanship and Community
The recent 57th Manuel Campos Judo Tournament, now officially the Gran Canaria Cup, cemented its status as a cornerstone of Spanish judo. Held at the Martín freire Sports City, this event transcended a mere competition, evolving into a celebration of athleticism, community spirit, and social responsibility.
The tournament witnessed over 200 young judokas,aged 8 to 13,representing 19 clubs from across Gran Canaria battling for supremacy. While the fierce competition unveiled a wealth of talent, the true victors where the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by all participants. the jubilant atmosphere, fueled by excited spectators, underscored the profound impact this event had on young athletes and the wider community.
Legacy, Evolution, and Participation
Manuel Campos, the tournament’s visionary founder, remarked on the lasting impact of the event, now in its 57th year. He highlighted the meaning of the new branding – the gran Canaria Cup – and the charitable initiative to collect food for those in need.
Interestingly, while the tournament celebrated its immense legacy, it also embraced innovation. The incorporation of three spacious combat zones ensured smoother competition flow, while the adoption of the Golden Score system added an element of excitement and dynamism. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the participant and spectator experience while staying true to the core values of the sport.
The tournament also shone a light on a recurring theme observed in many sports: the gender gap. While a commendable 30% female participation rate was noted, it still lags behind the 70% male depiction. This statistic, mirrored in various age categories, emphasizes the need for continued commitment to encouraging girls’ participation and fostering a truly inclusive judo environment.
Beyond the Mat: A Commitment to Community
The 57th Manuel Campos Judo Tournament went beyond conventional sporting events by actively engaging with the community. The partnership with Cáritas to collect non-perishable food items exemplified the tournament’s commitment to social responsibility. This initiative embodied the spirit of giving back and reinforced the notion that sport can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.
Looking Ahead: A Foundation for Future Champions
The 57th Manuel Campos Judo Tournament wasn’t just about crowning champions; it was about nurturing future generations of judokas. Domingo Alfonso,President of the Insular judo Federation,expressed pride in witnessing the dedication and enthusiasm of the young athletes,recognizing them as the future of the sport.
Alejandro Doblado, the Federation’s Technical Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the tournament’s importance in showcasing the burgeoning talent within Gran Canaria. He emphasized that events like this serve as springboards for athletes, propelling them towards higher levels of competition and recognition.
The 57th Manuel Campos Judo Tournament, now known as the Gran Canaria Cup, has solidified its position as a beacon of judo excellence. Through unwavering dedication to athletic prowess,community engagement,and social responsibility,this event continues to inspire and uplift generations of judokas on the island and beyond.
