Article Contributed on: 4/23/2008 1:52:03 PM
This event is the largest Judo tournament in the Rocky Mountain region and is a national level event for adult athletes. Competition for youth, adults, and masters (over 30 yrs). Over 250 athletes from all over the USA are expected to compete. Visually impaired athletes will compete and the event serves as the Trials for the Paralympic Games.
WHY: For the 5th year, the Northglenn Championship is a national-level event. Athletes in the adult weight categories earn points toward National ranking. It's also the 40th consecutive year that Northglenn is hosting its Championship.
A number of visually impaired athletes from the USA will compete in the tournament with fully sighted athletes. In addition, in the Women's 70kg category, a series of contests will determine the athlete selected to represent the USA at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in August.
WHEN: Saturday APRIL 26, 2008. Junior and Masters (over 30 years old) competition begins at 9:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, adult competition will begin with Paralympic Team Trials matches, followed immediately by standard adult competition for national point ranking. Competition is expected to last until at least 4:00 PM. Medal matches will be occurring throughout the day.
WHERE: At the Northglenn High School. Corner of Huron and 102nd Ave. Take 104th Ave Exit on I-25; travel west approx. ½ mile, turn left (south) at Huron, travel south; High School will be on the left (east) side. Show media credential at door.
SPECTATORS: Open to the public. Admission is $5.00 at the door (6 yrs. & under free).
Northglenn Judo Club is the longest continuously operating Judo club in Colorado. It is the 7th largest club in the USA and has produced two Olympians and dozens of National Champions. The Northglenn coaching staff was named U.S. Olympic Committee's Developmental Coaches of the Year for 2002.