Member News

January 12, 2006

The Gwinnett Center in the evening.

Gwinnett County Named Home to 2007 U.S. Open

USA Judo is pleased to announce that the 2007 U.S. Open Judo Championships will be held Oct. 19-21 at the

Gwinnett Center Arena in Gwinnett County, Ga.

Gwinnett County, located in the Northern Atlanta metropolitan area, was the host of the 2005 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships as well as other key events, including the 2004 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, the 2004-2005 SEC Gymnastics Championships and the upcoming 2009 first and second rounds of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships.
 

Hana Carmichael , now the #3-ranked junior at 57kg, competed at the 2005 Junior Olympics in Gwinnett County.

“The Junior Olympics in Gwinnett County was one of my first events since coming to USA Judo in 2005.  I know that Gwinnett has hosted many top events and not only will they be excellent hosts, but the tournament facility will be a perfect one to host a first-

class international event,” said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez. “Atlanta has such a rich Olympic history having hosted a very successful 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. I know that many of our USA Judo family have fond memories of this Olympic City. And, just as well, we have many local judo greats, such as Leo White who will be able to help us find volunteers and technical officials."

The U.S. Open Championships is one of the most prestigious international events in the Pan American region. With more than 500 competitors from 20 nations expected to compete in this year’s event, many Olympians and 2008 Olympic hopefuls are expected to be in attendance.  

The U.S. Open is a part of a new series of tournaments called the "North American Judo Series" which includes the Quebec Open and Rendez-Vous Canada (both in Montreal) and the Benito Juarez in Merida Yucatan, Mexico.  All of these events will be in October and early November. 

More action from Gwinnett at the 2005 Junior Olympics.

USA Judo has teamed up with the Mexican Judo Federation and the Judo Canada to attract as many countries as possible to participate in this four-event series.  

In addition to top-level senior competitors, the U.S. Open also will feature a Master’s division.  Contested for the first time in 2006, the U.S. Master’s Open Championships is expected to be the largest Master’s event in the Pan American Region this year.

“Both the Gwinnett Sports Commission and the Arena at Gwinnett Center are proud that we have been chosen to host the 2007 U.S. Open Judo Championships,” said Rob Patton, Sports Marketing Director of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We feel confident that the competitors and our visitors will experience a hugely successful event – the venue and service will be impeccable, and Gwinnett offers great hotels, dining and shopping for everyone. We are looking forward to hosting this event!”