The Tribune

Under the patronage of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson and the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC), a judo exhibition was held Saturday at the Carmichael Athletic Centre in Flamingo Gardens.

After demonstrations by national team members, children aged seven to 11 participated in a teams tournament. These children were selected after eight weeks of training in the BOC’s Youth of Steel after-school programme.

“This was a great community builder,” said Johnson. “We chose to do it during the tree lighting ceremony so that everyone could enjoy it.”

Over 200 children participate in the after-school programme on a weekly basis. They are trained in various Olympic sporting disciplines. “The BOC is delighted to be a part of the development of local communities.” said Robert Butler, vice president. “In the coming year, you will see even more structured programmes.”

The event was held on the tennis court which allowed for an official sized judo mat to be used and for more spectators than could be held in the hall.

“It was the first time we have done a public outdoor event,” said D’Arcy Rahming, chairman of the National Sports Academy planning committee and BOC treasurer.

“It exceeded beyond expectations because so many parents expressed how delighted they were at the event.”

Next week there will be a combat sports festival featuring wrestling, fencing and judo at Xavier’s school hall on East Bay Street.

“Judo is the fastest growing sport in the Bahamas,” said Johnson. “For many people in the community this was their first judo tournament.”

Persons interested in attending the combat sports festival should call 364-6773 for more information.