Judo and Ulster Wrestling event coming to The Venue

Supported by The Culture Company and the Northern Ireland Wrestling Association, the event has been organised by Western Region Judo Club.

The event highlights the strengthening partnership between two key Olympic grappling sports leading to the opening of the new Centre of Sporting Excellence at St Columbs Park.

Almost 1000 competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators are expected over the weekend including a wealth of talent by our local judo and wrestling stars all hoping to get their hands on the bespoke medals.

Current British masters Champions Gavin Abel and Bernard Sheerin, London open medallists Kirstie Strouts McCallion and Jamie McFadden will be leading the local judo hopes along with many Irish champions and Northern Ireland squad members, chasing selection for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games which to be held in Glasgow in 2014.

Local wrestling hopes are pinned on Irish medallists Ben Pollin, Matthew McCrossan and Hugh McCloskey.

An inclusion event which will see local disability destined judo stars take part in the judo and wrestling event over the weekend they have had a fantastic year competing and winning medals at North West senior open championships and the Irish Open international judo event held in Dublin. As Derry is a city always well known for its special fighting arts skills and producing many, many black belts as well as champions over the years organisers are extending a special invite to any black belt from all over the North West and beyond who is a black belt dan grade to come along on the day to the Dan clan stall and be part of a very special photo.

You will also get the chance to sign on a canvas which organisers hope can be hung up in the new centre of excellence when it is built please let all other martial arts people in the city and beyond that we will like them to be part of this gathering as a photographer is planned for 1.30pm outside with the bronze judo statue.

The Saturday Judo event and Sunday Wrestling event will open the doors to the public at 9am when competitors will be warming up for their event.

The cost to the public for the all-day event will be £3 entrance fee payable at the box office at The Venue. Finals are scheduled for 2pm and probably the best time to visit.

For further enquiries contact main organisers Jim Toland on (0797) 659 1573 or e-mail [email protected], Barry Pollin and Lisa Bradley tournament director for both events.