The IJF President Mr. Marius Vizer introduced the IJF Art Exhibition on Saturday as the work of lauded artists illustrated the ‘highest expressions of humanity’.
The work of five international artists was on show at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in a picturesque setting next to the Danube River and the Chain Bridge.
“Dear guests, IJF Executive Committee, friends, colleagues and all members of the judo family, it is our pleasure to host you here at Hungarian Academy of Sciences for a special Art Exhibition,” said Mr. Vizer.
“We are very proud to present this work and I have great appreciation for the artists and their skills.
“I believe that sport and culture goes together and it gives spirit into societies. Judo is an art of life, an art of movement and a philosophy. I hope you all enjoy the display and thank you all for your attendance.”
Artists
Andrei Sharov
Raymond Poulet
Fodor-Lengyel Zoltan
Eugen Vasile
Andrey Sharov
Neil Eckersley
Herend Porcelain – Creator of the miniature Jigoro Kano statues
Visit the exhibition from 26-27 August at Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 9, 1051
IJF unveils 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships statue
Following the opening of the Art Exhibition, Mr. Vizer unveiled the centrepiece outside the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, a special judo statue in honour of the 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships in Budapest.
Mr. Vizer and the sculpture Fodor-Lengyel Zoltan unveiled the statue which was well-received by all as judo fans watched live on Instagram.
The statue will go on to be displayed at the Olympic Centre of Budapest.
Continental unity
The IJF President, who was re-elected for four more years on Friday, visited the three continental Congress’ which took place on Saturday.
“Thank you for your trust and support. I hope in the next four years we will achieve all our goals and realise your vision for our sport in the Judo Union of Asia,” said Mr. Vizer at the Judo Union of Asia Congress.
“We are ready to take on board your ideas and to support you in all areas. I would like to emphasise the importance of the role of the National Federation Presidents.
“The future of judo in each country is in the hands of its National Federation President and you must have motivation, determination and authority in this role. You have to be highly involved and manage your Federation to the best of your ability and build up judo in your countries.
“We are a united judo family and we have to strive to achieve more and more. We must never be satisfied. I wish you all a successful World Championships.”
The IJF President received an European Judo Union (EJU) Award dedicated to the 65th Anniversary to the IJF from EJU President Mr. Sergey Soloveychik at the EJU Ordinary Congress.
“Thank you to the EJU, President Soloveychik, and all its members for this award and for your loyalty, professionalism and friendship,” said the IJF President.
“We’ve accomplished many things together over the last few years and judo is now placed as one of the highest sports in the world. The IJF’s partnership with CNN is an example of how far the sport has come and is the platform for you all to be able attract more sponsors and revenue for your Federation’s.
“The positive image of our sport is something that we can all be proud and we have all worked hard to achieve it. I look forward to a continued collaboration with you all and for prosperous years to come.”
The IJF President then attended the African Judo Union (AJU) Congress and highlighted the positive atmosphere the continent brings to the judo family and the next steps that need to be taken.
“Through the values of our sport we have all built together friendships and strong working collaborations. The AJU brings a great deal of warmth and respect to all such occasions and together I believe we are moving in the right direction.
“Those in leading roles in National Federation’s must have strong personalities and the desire for change. Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, media and all those involved in the sport must combine their effort to grow the sport and capacity of the AJU to develop its visibility, marketability and for more judoka to be active at the highest level and to win medals.
“With a greater deal of efficiency and unity we can continue to drive the sport forward across Africa. I would like to thank you all for your support and look forward to meeting you all during the 2017 Suzuki World Judo Championships.”