Jonathan Cooke and Kookateki Judo Club sweep to victory at the 2015 Belfast Sports Awards.

Jonathan Cooke, Head coach Kookateki Judo Club, won the prestigious participation award recognising his efforts in creating a successful sporting pathway from education to club participation. He has played a key role in guiding children and young adults in the city to long term involvement in sport and physical activity.

As well as extensive work in local schools, Jonathan has also run many participation initiatives out of Kookateki. This has included teaming up with the Autism Intervention service to engage with children with learning and intellectual disabilities and social disabilities (autism, aspergers and ADHD), cross community events and master classes.

Jonathan said: “I would like to thank all the coaches, volunteers, children and parents. Without who winning this award would not have been possible. It is testament to every ones hard work and commitment”.

The awards ceremony, held at Belfast City Hall on Friday 27th March 2015, celebrated the remarkable achievements of local sports people and paid tribute to the efforts of coaches, volunteers, mentors, teachers and parents.

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.