Kookateki Judo Club in conjunction with Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Unit held a St Patrick’s Day Judo party last Saturday.

With the help of British Judo Association Technical Officer Dermot Heslop and senior club coach Jonathan Cooke all the coaching team dressed as leprechauns for the day. Young judoka played games and enjoyed judo fun in a party atmosphere.

The leprechauns unveiled the Kookateki St Patricks Day banner designed and painted by junior club members Joseph and Declan Heron.  This incorporated the club mascot “Kooki” the panda throwing an unfortunate and unsuspecting leprechaun for ippon.

There were Shamrock lollies for all the players and not forgetting the shamrock rock for the parents. 

The aim of the day was to promote and encourage trust and mutual understanding between children from both sides of the religious and political community through judo games and celebrations. 

For more information on Kookateki Judo Club visit www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk