Judo Club Corredor del Henares Celebrates Success at Madrid Federation Gala
The Judo Club Corredor del Henares de Torrejón de Ardoz was honored at the Madrid Federation of Judo and associated Sports’ annual gala on December 17th. The club’s dedication to promoting judo and its values was recognized through awards presented to three of its members: Enrique Eraña,José A. Bretón, and Óscar Domínguez.
Eraña was lauded for his innovative initiative in introducing judo to seniors,receiving a Madridoca for his efforts. Bretón, meanwhile, was presented with a silver pin for his unwavering commitment and collaboration in supporting the federation’s activities. He shares this recognition with fellow Royal Spanish Judo Federation members Alfonso escobar and Delia Sánchez. Domínguez was also honored with a Madridoca, this time for his outstanding contributions as an international-level referee.
torrejón de Ardoz Mayor Alejandro Navarro expressed his pride in the club,stating,”It’s an honor for our city to have a club like yours that excels in promoting judo and its core values. These accolades from the Madrid federation are a testament to your hard work and dedication.”
Adding to the club’s recent successes, students of Judo Corredor del Henares had the privilege of participating in two masterclasses led by Olympic medalists. francisco Garrigós, who secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Yolanda Soler, a bronze medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, shared their expertise and inspired the next generation of judo athletes.
Judo Champions and Community Impact: An Interview with olympic Medalist Yolanda Soler
Welcome back to “Sporting Conversations”! Today, we have a very special guest, Yolanda Soler, Olympic bronze medalist and esteemed judo coach. Yolanda,thank you so much for joining us.
yolanda Soler: Its a pleasure to be here!
We’re thrilled to have you. We recently covered the astonishing achievements of the Judo Club Corredor del Henares at the Madrid Federation Gala. Thay’ve been recognized for their outstanding contributions to judo both on and off the mat. What are your thoughts on the club’s success, especially their initiatives like introducing judo to seniors?
Yolanda Soler: It’s truly inspiring to see clubs like Corredor del Henaresorking so hard to promote judo within their communities. Judo isn’t just a sport, it’s a discipline that teaches values like respect, perseverance, and self-belief, which are equally crucial at any age.Introducing judo to seniors is simply brilliant; it encourages physical activity, mental acuity, and a sense of community amongst an often-overlooked demographic. I applaud their innovation and dedication.
Absolutely. Expanding judo’s reach is vital. Speaking of reach, you recently conducted a masterclass at Judo Corredor del Henares. Can you tell us about your experience and the impact of such events on aspiring judokas?
yolanda Soler: It’s always humbling to share my experience and knowledge with young athletes. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are truly contagious. Masterclasses like these provide invaluable insight into the sport at a higher level. It’s not just about technique exhibition; it’s about showing them the dedication, mental fortitude, and sheer willpower required to succeed.
We couldn’t agree more. It’s about instilling that fighting spirit, both on and off the tatami. Now, the club was also recognized for their international-level referee, Óscar Domínguez. How important is是一位 impartial refereeing in judo, especially at the highest levels of competition?
Yolanda Soler: Refereeing is absolutely crucial. A good referee ensures a fair fight, applying the rules strictly but with understanding. In judo,split-second decisions can change the course of a match,and a referee’s impartiality guarantees a level playing field for all athletes. Recognizing individuals like Óscar Domínguez who dedicate themselves to this important role is essential.
I want to highlight the sentiments of Torrejón de Ardoz Mayor alejandro Navarro, who expressed immense pride in the club. How much do you think local support and community involvement contribute to the success of judo clubs?
Yolanda Soler: Local support is everything. When a community rallies behind its clubs, it creates a vibrant environment that fosters talent and encourages participation. It sends a message that judo is valued, respected, and worth investing in. The success of Judo Club Corredor del Henares is a testament to the power of this kind of collective spirit.
Well said, Yolanda.We’re curious to hear from our readers now. What are your thoughts on the importance of community-driven initiatives like those championed by Judo Club Corredor del Henares? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
