Young Judo Stars Converge for the 57th Manuel Campos Tournament
The 57th edition of the Manuel Campos Judo Tournament, a cornerstone event in Spanish judo, is set to take place this Saturday, December 21st, at the Ciudad Deportiva de Gran Canaria (Martín Freire).Over 200 young athletes, aged 8 to 13, representing 19 clubs across gran Canaria, will compete in this prestigious competition.
Organized by the Gran Canaria Judo Federation and sponsored by Campygo, S.L., the tournament goes beyond athletic competition. This year,organizers are collecting non-perishable food items to support local charities. Donations will be distributed to the Risco San Nicolás and San Francisco parish centers, both affiliated with Cáritas.
The tournament will feature three 6×6 competition zones, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow for the elimination rounds with double repechage format. Punctuality is paramount, with competitors having only 30 seconds to reach the tatami after their names are called. Failure to appear within the allotted time will result in a Fusen-Gachi victory for the prepared competitor.
Adding to the excitement, the Golden Score system will be implemented, awarding victory to the first judoka to gain an advantage or penalizing the first to receive three penalties. Bronze medal matches will be contested in their entirety.
This competition serves as a qualifier for the Gran Canaria championship in the benjamín and alevín categories, encompassing both male and female divisions. The Sub 13 category (ages 11-13) will kick off the action at 10:00 am, followed by the Sub 11 category (ages 8-10) at 2:00 pm. With over 200 young judokas vying for victory, the 57th Manuel Campos Tournament promises to be a thrilling display of skill, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
A Champion’s Outlook: Discussing the Legacy of the Manuel Campos Tournament
Welcome back, judo fans!
Today, we have a very special guest joining us – Miguel Perez, a three-time Olympian and former gold medalist in the 81kg weight class. Miguel, welcome to the show!
Miguel: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Host: Miguel, you’ve had an illustrious career in judo, representing Spain on the world stage. What are your thoughts on events like the Manuel Campos tournament,which focus on nurturing young talent?
Miguel: I think these tournaments are absolutely vital. They provide a platform for young judokas to showcase their skills, learn from each other, and ultimately fall in love with the sport. The Manuel Campos Tournament, in particular, holds a special place in Spanish judo history. It’s been a stepping stone for so many successful athletes, including myself.
Host: It’s wonderful that the tournament is not only about competition but also about giving back to the community through the food drive. how critically important is it to combine sportsmanship with social responsibility?
Miguel: Absolutely essential. Judo teaches us about discipline, respect, and self-enhancement – values that extend far beyond the tatami. I applaud the organizers for incorporating this charitable element, teaching young athletes the importance of giving back.
Host: The tournament utilizes the Golden Score system for its matches. This system is known to bring an added layer of excitement and unpredictability. Do you think it’s an effective method for determining a winner, notably in youth tournaments?
Miguel: I find the Golden Score system to be a thrilling addition. It encourages judokas to push their limits and fight until the very end. It teaches them to stay focused and seize opportunities, which are crucial skills both in judo and in life.
host: The tournament acts as a qualifier for the Gran Canaria Championships. This adds extra pressure but also a great prospect for these young athletes. What advice would you give to them as they prepare to compete?
Miguel: Remember the fundamentals: technique,strategy,and a strong mental game.Don’t get overwhelmed by the pressure. Focus on enjoying the experience and giving it your best shot. And most importantly, learn from every match, win or lose.
Host: Great words of wisdom, Miguel. I think we all learned a lot today from your insights.
Before we wrap up, let me ask our viewers – what are your thoughts on the Manuel Campos Tournament and the importance of youth progress in sports? Share your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
Thank you for joining us, miguel, and a big thank you to our viewers for tuning in.
