Montréal, May 19, 2022 – On December 10 and 11, 2022, Edmonton will host not one, but two major judo tournaments: the Elite Canadian Championships and the IBSA Pan-American Championships.

The Elite Canadian Championships were originally scheduled to be held in January 2022. The event, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will allow Canada’s judokas to compete for the prestigious national title.

The top eight athletes from each weight class—in both senior and under-18 age categories—will meet in Alberta’s capital city for the first time. In the past, the tournament has always been held in Montréal.

It will be the first time the event has been held since 2020. Andrzej Sadej, Coaching and Education Director at Judo Canada and head coach of the Canadian para judo team, couldn’t be happier.

“I’m really excited to be hosting the Elite National Championships after two years of hope and disappointment due to Covid-19. I’m looking forward to seeing the country’s best judokas in action,” he said enthusiastically.

Along with the National Championships, Edmonton will also host the IBSA Pan-American Judo Championships for blind and visually impaired athletes on December 11. The tournament is returning to Canada for a third time, after having been held in Calgary in 2018 and Montréal in 2020.

« We love that we get to continue our work with Judo Canada. Edmonton has always been proud to host its national and international events, and this is no different. We know that competitors will love the Saville Community Sports Centre venue as it’s one of our many elite sports facilities in Alberta’s capital city. On top of that, visitors will enjoy Edmonton’s warm hospitality, incredible restaurants, and winter city spirit as we don’t let cooler temperatures slow us down », said Cindy Medynski, Director, Edmonton Events.

This year, the competition will feature an entirely new format, with participants separated into two distinct categories. The change, which will breathe new life into the discipline, is a demonstration of Judo Canada’s commitment to all Canadian judokas.

“I’m very pleased that the IBSA Pan-American Championships will be held alongside the Elite National Championships. Hosting an event for visually impaired judokas in conjunction with the nationals shows that Canada is a leader in the field,” continued Sadej.

“Judo Canada is very proud to be hosting the IBSA event for a third time. As was the case for the two previous editions, it will be held in conjunction with the National Championships to provide a fully inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities. We hope it will not only drive the creation of new programs for blind athletes across the country, but that it will also inspire future champions to take up this wonderful sport,” said Judo Canada executive director Nicolas Gill.

Further details about both events will be announced in the coming months.

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada

For more information:

Patrick Esparbès
Chief Operating Officer
Judo Canada
(514) 668-6279
p.esparbes@judocanada.org