Young Judo Stars Shine at regional Grand Prix
The Palazzetto dello sport in Velletri,Rome,was abuzz with energy last weekend as over 560 young judokas from Abruzzo and Lazio regions gathered for the first stage of the Regional Grand Prix. The event, held on February 26th and 27th, 2022, saw a remarkable turnout, reflecting the eagerness of these athletes to return to competitive judo after a period of disruption.
Saturday, february 26th, was dedicated to the “1st Stage of the Regional Grand Prix Debutants Memorial Romolo De Angelis Male / Female,” featuring 230 aspiring judokas in the Beginners A category (12-year-olds). The following day, the focus shifted to the “1st stage of the Giovanissimi 2022 grand Prix,” where 330 young athletes in the Children (8-9 years old) and Kids (10-11 years old) categories showcased thier skills.Five tatami mats were utilized to accommodate the numerous matches, creating a dynamic and exciting atmosphere.
Representing ASD IL SALICE, young athletes demonstrated their dedication and talent. On Saturday, Samuele Pannullo, competing in the Beginners A category, secured a commendable 5th place in the -36 kg weight class.
Sunday saw Edoardo Ceccarelli,competing in the Kids category,earn a well-deserved bronze medal with a 3rd place finish in the -36 kg weight class.
The ASD IL SALICE coaching staff expressed immense pride in their athletes’ performance and are eagerly anticipating the upcoming competitions. This event served as a testament to the growing popularity of judo among young athletes in the region, with participation numbers reflecting a strong desire to engage in this physically and mentally challenging sport.
Young Judo Stars: The Future is Bright
Welcome back, everyone, too Around the Mat, where we delve into the exciting world of judo! Today, we have a very special guest, Marco Bianchi, a former Olympic judoka adn current coach, to discuss the inspiring performance of young athletes at the recent Regional Grandprix in Velletri.
Marco, thanks for joining us today. Seeing over 560 young judokas enthusiastically return to competition after a period of disruption is truly remarkable. What are your initial thoughts on the event?
Marco: It’s fantastic! To see so many young athletes, especially after a challenging period, shows the astounding passion and dedication within judo.
This event certainly showcases judo’s growing popularity. What factors do you think are contributing to this surge in interest?
Marco: It’s a combination of things. Judo offers a unique blend of physical and mental discipline, which resonates with young people. It teaches them valuable skills like respect,perseverance,and self-confidence. Plus, the competitive aspect is thrilling, pushing them to constantly improve.
Absolutely! Judging by the results, ASD IL SALICE brought a strong contingent. Samuele Pannullo’s 5th place finish in the Beginners A category and Edoardo Ceccarelli’s bronze medal in the Kids category are commendable achievements.
Marco: Yes, they are! Both Samuele and Edoardo displayed incredible resilience and technical prowess. They are prime examples of the talent we see blossoming in our youth programs.
Do you think thes youngsters have the potential to move on to higher levels of competition, perhaps even the national stage?
Marco: definitely. Many of these young athletes possess the raw talent and the drive to succeed. With continued support and dedicated training, anything is absolutely possible.
Now, let’s talk about the ESD IL SALICE coaching staff. What role do dedicated coaches play in shaping these young judokas’ futures, both on and off the mat?
Marco: Coaches are instrumental in nurturing these athletes. They provide technical guidance, instill discipline, but most importantly, they foster a positive and encouraging habitat that allows these kids to thrive.
I agree! It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about building character and life skills.
What advice would you give to these young athletes as they continue their judo journey?
Marco: My advice is simple: never stop learning, never give up on your dreams, and always prioritize sportsmanship above winning. Remember, the journey itself is just as critically important as the destination.
That’s truly inspiring advice, Marco. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We wish you and all the young judokas continued success!
we’ll be right back after a short break with more exciting discussions from the world of judo.Don’t forget to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
