Thank you to Wendy Cooke of Kookateki Judo Club for sending in the news story below.

The Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council rolled out their sports festival in Belfast on 9^th June 2016. The festival took place at the newly opened Girdwood Community Hub. The idea was to give children across the province the opportunity to try out different sports from the Commonwealth Games. Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Mary Elizabeth Peters, CH, DBE, was there to encourage everyone.

Kookateki Judo Club embraced this opportunity with club coaches Jonathan Cooke and Sean Hughes showcasing judo to 200 Primary 7 pupils.

Jonathan Cooke, head coach of Kookateki Judo Club, said: “Kookateki not only aims to increase participation in judo but also to provide the children with a fun, sporting activity that will give them another positive focus in their life outside of school. Young people are our future and an event like this encourages them to take up sports and engage in a healthier lifestyle. The sooner they get involved the more likely they are to continue with physical activities throughout their life.

“Besides providing an outlet for their natural energy, sports presents a challenge, teaches teamwork, discipline, leadership and tactics all of which are valuable skills for life. It also gives them the opportunity to meet other young people from different backgrounds and most importantly, it’s also fun”.

You can find out more about Kookateki Judo Club at: www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk.