THE Bahamas’ under-21 junior team turned in a very impressive performance at one of the region’s largest tournaments at the US Junior Judo Open in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
The team was led by Regina Parotti, vice president of the Bahamas Judo Federation. The team consisted of players from clubs in Abaco and Nassau.
“I am very pleased with the overall and individual performances,” Parotti said. “Every person fought their heart out. The coaches and the administrators and even some of the parents did a fabulous job and we got to every match on time with all athletes being supported.”
Parotti is also the head coach of the Abaco Club, which restarted five years ago.
Three athletes from Abaco - Rebecca Strachan, twins Desmond Bootle and Desmondo Bootle - passed the performance requirement for black belt.
To ensure only high level black belts come from the Bahamas the performance requirement is that as a brown belt you must beat a black Belt from another country in a sanctioned international tournament. There are other requirements such as technical knowledge and passing the referees’ licence that will be completed later.
The team was also coached by Mickey Munnings and Al Lil and administrated by Sheila Cuffy. Team members were Elaina Cuffy (gold medallist), Desmond Bootle (gold medallist), Rachel Rolle (silver medallist - two divisions), Ethan Cuffy (silver medallist), Rebecca Strachan (silver medallist), Desmondo Bootle (silver medallist), Vivian Charles (bronze medallist), Kentico Forbes (5th place) and Joshua Mcfall (5th place).
Dre Hall from Abaco Club also passed the black belt performance requirements.
Other athletes in attendance were Keith Saunders, Peter Knowles and Xavion Johnson.
Persons wishing to support the Bahamas Judo Federation can follow them at fb.com/BahamaJudo
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