London 2012 Olympic mats rolled out for major Judo competition at Meadowbank Sports Centre this weekend
After the success of the Scottish Judo athletes and coaches in the London 2012 Olympics Meadowbank Sports Centre – in close collaboration with Judo Scotland and the London 2012 organising committee – have purchased 264 (1m X 2m) brand new Judo mats used during the Olympics.
Douglas Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at Judo Scotland said: “This is fantastic for Judo in Scotland to have such high quality mats. Meadowbank is now one of the only two facilities in Scotland that have the London 2012 mats and this is fantastic for the development of our judo competitions in Scotland. Without these quality mats in Scotland these events would not be possible. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure to bring more Judo events to the capital”
Four fighting areas were purchased for use at Meadowbank. These mats where part of the extensive set up at the Excel centre in London during the London 2012 Olympic Games. The mats were shipped up to Meadowbank at the end of last year and will be showcased this weekend at The International Sportif Judo Tournament and training camp. This is an international Judo event attracting 500 athletes from 13 different nations. Saturday’s tournament is followed by a training camp on Sunday.
Sportif Judo will present a Dr George Kerr trophy called the GK cup at their event this week. This is a bespoke trophy for this event and will remain a centre piece through the event this weekend. Dr George Kerr is well known personality in Edinburgh and internationally for his commitment to Judo. Sportif Judo is a unique organization truly committed to the development and promotion of judo at every level.
Jo Mathieson, Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said:- “The arrival of these judo mats is a huge boost to Meadowbank Sports Centre. Our previous judo mats had been purchased for the Commonwealth Games in 1986 and, whilst they had stood up to 27 years of heavy usage, were definitely starting to show their age!
“We hope that this significant investment will bring more Judo and martial arts competitions to Meadowbank. There has been a real buzz around the new mats on site and we can’t wait to show them off to our customers. We are delighted to have our own little bit of London 2012 legacy!”
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