Member News

February 24, 2008    

Youth and Scholastic Championships to be Important Factor in 2010 Youth Olympic Games

The USA Judo Youth and Scholastic National Championships will be held March 29-30 at the University of Wisconsin – Stout in Menomonie, Wis.  This year, not only have younger age groups been added, but it is also an important factor in the future of junior athletes as it is one of four junior domestic point events and a key factor for athletes looking to compete at the Junior World and Pan American Infantile Championships this fall.  A great deal will be at stake as 10 junior elite points will be on the line for athletes competing in Intermediate, Juvenile and IJF-Junior divisions. 

“Presently, registration has surpassed our expectations.  I believe we will have numbers not seen before due to the interest the 2010 Youth Olympic Games has created” says Jose H. Rodriguez, USA Judo CEO. 

More than 500 athletes, ranging in age from 5-years-old to collegiate athletes are expected to compete in this new premier event.

The Youth Olympics are announced as coming to Singapore in 2008.

In the future, the Youth and Scholastic National Judo Championships will be included in the selection process for the Youth Olympic Games.  USA Judo leadership is presently starting the process that will determine who will be chosen for the U.S. team and may look back at this and other tournaments and incorporate these results in future selection. 

The International Olympic Committee recently announced that the first ever Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Singapore.  It was a close race between Singapore and Moscow.  This will open the doors for many small, young cities to be a part of the Olympic movement since they may not be able to host the Olympic Games. 

These Games will be a great addition to the international competition opportunities that already exist for young athletes.  The IOC’s aim with creating these G

ames is to educate young athletes and celebrate the cultures of the world as well as promote Olympic values.

To register for the 2008 Youth and Scholastic National Championships, click here.