Over 120 young potential sports stars attended talent identification sessions across 11 Commonwealth Games sports in Belfast in December 2016.  The aim was to identify talented young people with the potential to compete in the Belfast 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Each sport identified a Sports Star Champion following the talent search and squad training sessions held from December 2016 to March 2017.

At Belfast City Council’s prestigious Sports Awards Kaelan Hughes from Kookateki Judo Club was named the successful judo champion!

Kaelan has shown dedication and ability throughout his judo career and this was highlighted at the Belfast Sports Awards which celebrate the remarkable achievements of local sports people.

Well done Kaelan!

The initiative is delivered in partnership with Belfast City Council and GLL Sport Foundation.  Belfast City Council has invested £10,000 in this programme which will enhance the opportunities for younger talented participants to get involved with sport at a high level and potentially become stars of the future.  GLL also support the initiative through their GLL Sport Foundation and training memberships to support young athletes in Belfast to develop their potential and achieve sporting success.

If you live in Belfast and want to try Judo, Kookateki run classes on Saturdays for juniors and adults of all standards.  For more information please visit www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk.

Many thanks to Wendy Cooke from Kookateki Judo Club for the write-up