In the coming days, Sarajevo will be the center of world judo and host three major international sports events – the World Championship for Veterans, the World Kata Championship and the European Open Championship of the Special Olympics in Judo.
Large international judo events will gather in Sarajevo about 1,500 competitors from all over the world, along with numerous coaches, members of delegations and officials.
Branislav Crnogorac, director for development of the European Judo Union (EJU), speaking on behalf of the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out that the trust for the organization of such important competitions is another confirmation of the reputation that the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoys in the European and world judo frameworks.
“Our first European Championship, which we organized in Sarajevo in 2003, was declared the best organized European Championship of that year. Then we realized that we have the knowledge and capacity to organize large international events. Today, we are hosting two world championships and a major competition of the Special Olympics, and we are proud to host athletes from all over the world in Sarajevo,” said Crnogorac.
The World Championship for veterans has a special significance, where competitors from 30 years old up to sportsmen who have entered their eighth decade of life will take part.
“We like to say that judo is a way of life and it really is. Those who once start practicing judo and love it stay with this sport for the rest of their lives. We believe that we will once again show that Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina can host the largest international judo events,” added Crnogorac.
Kada Delić Selimović, Executive Director of Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that the event in Sarajevo holds special significance for Special Olympics athletes, as well as for the promotion of inclusion through sport.
“For us, the most important thing is to show that Special Olympics athletes are equals and deserve the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a major international stage. This is the best example of how sport triumphs over prejudice. Our athletes do more than just win medals; they change the mindset of people who believe that individuals with disabilities are incapable of certain things. When you step onto the mat, no one asks who you are or where you come from – what matters is what you demonstrate in the arena. We want to change the narrative and focus on what people with disabilities can do, rather than what they cannot,” said Delić Selimović, Fena writes.
