The earthquakes were felt across much of the country but caused the greatest devastation in the coastal state of La Guaira and in the capital, Caracas. The Venezuelan judo community was not spared. In the days following the disaster, families, clubs and coaches have been mourning the loss of loved ones while trying to rebuild their lives amid widespread destruction.
Yet even beneath the mountains of rubble and in the midst of overwhelming grief, the Venezuelan judo family has responded in the best way, by standing together. Supporting one another, caring for those in need, comforting children, offering practical help and, whenever possible, bringing a smile back to young people who, in some cases, have lost everything.
The judo world has witnessed this spirit before. Following the devastating tsunami in Japan and after the catastrophic earthquakes in Türkiye in 2023, local judo communities came together to protect what mattered most: people. On each occasion, judoka demonstrated that judo is far more than a sport; it is a family in which no-one is left behind, especially in times of hardship.
On 5th July, representatives of the Venezuelan Judo Federation, led by President Katiuska Santaella, together with Secretary General Javier Cardozo and Olympic athletes Karen León and Anriquelis Barrios, travelled to several locations in La Guaira to offer their solidarity and support to the children and families of the local judo community. They were joined by Beagni Betancourt, President of the La Guaira State Judo Association.
The delegation delivered clothing for children and adults, together with food, drinking water and small treat bags for the youngest members of the community. The visit carried an especially emotional significance as the two judo dojos located in La Guaira were destroyed by the earthquakes.
There is nothing insignificant about helping a child smile again. The psychological impact of a natural disaster runs deep and can remain for months, years or even a lifetime. Feeling supported helps those who have suffered, while being able to help gives purpose to those who stand beside them. This reflects one of judo's founding principles, Jita Kyoei, mutual welfare and benefit, reminding us that individual recovery is strengthened through solidarity.
The presence of President Santaella on the ground, herself affected by the earthquakes, alongside her federation colleagues and Venezuela's leading athletes, sends a powerful message to everyone suffering across the country. The road ahead will be long and difficult, undoubtedly, but it will not be travelled alone. United by the values of judo, the Venezuelan judo family is facing the future together, proving once again that solidarity is one of the strongest techniques the sport can offer.
