The University, which is also home to British Judo’s Centre of Excellence, opens with the visually impaired competition on Wednesday and will be followed by the juniors and seniors, pre cadets and cadets and veteran judoka.
The CJA has organised one of the most complete and ambitious competition programmes ever on the international stage with pre cadets, cadets, juniors, senior and visually impaired athletes all set to represent their country in the Midlands.
England’s first Commonwealth Judo Championships since 1986
Peter Blewett, Chair of England Judo, said: “The arrival of the Championships in Walsall marks the first time the town has hosted a major sporting event and with hundreds of athletes expected over the five days of competition, it will be a busy week!
“The venue for the weeks competition, the University of Wolverhampton, has been home to the British Judo Association’s Centre of Excellence and World Class Performance Programme for the last five years and overseen the progression of British Judo into regular medal winners on the biggest stages in judo.”
British Judo Chief Executive Andrew Scoular said: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for British judoka to become involved in a top-quality event. Hopefully we’ll put on a fantastic event and leave a legacy for all Home Country judoka to follow.
“It promises to be a very big event and we can’t wait for the start of the competition. We have got a good track record in delivering world-class judo events over the past 3-4 years and the University have been instrumental in the planning and execution of the event.”
Rick Kenney, President of the Commonwealth Judo Association said “This is the first time that the Commonwealth Judo Championships have been held in England since the first Championships took place in 1986 and I am sure that the British Judo Association will deliver a great event that will be enjoyed by athletes and spectators alike.
The British Judo Association has organised a number of high quality international competitions in recent years and we look forward to a wide range of Commonwealth judo nations taking part and enjoying the experience and hospitality of Walsall.”
Venue: University of Wolverhampton, Sports Centre, Walsall Campus, Gorway Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3EZ.