Starting in 2011, every year a Special Needs Judoka is selected that, in our opinion, deserves encouragement for the way in which he executes his sport. Criteria here are the dedication shown and the persistence of the candidate.
Every judoka, in every country, club or level may be nominated for the Special Needs Judo Award.
The Special Needs Judo Foundation's Board will then judge which judoka complies most with the criteria mentioned.
The Special Needs Judo Foundation wants to offer opportunities to talented judoka that are not yet at the top of their class but excel in their dedication, and whose story has a substantial emotional value.
The first Special Needs Judo award is a young judoka, chosen after long deliberation. This judoka has experienced some setbacks in his career. His club was assigned to go to the Shanghai World Summer Games but due to health problems in his family he could not participate. However he did not let that stop him, and he managed to fight himself a place in the National JBN Selection.
In the Dutch Open Championships he, again, competed against his club mate, competing in the same weight class. Never has he been able to win an important championship, and this time it looked like this was going to happen again. But suddenly something changed, he grew larger than life, took over his opponent's favourite throw and with perfect timing, coordination and control he changed all frustration into one flowing movement: Ippon.
After this, the JBN has sent him to several tournaments, national and international. Jasper is a stylist but also a true fighter and it is a great pleasure to watch him compete.
We have agreed that Jasper will receive the Special Needs Judo Award of this year: For dedication, but also to encourage him to continue his judo in this spirit.
The objective of the Special Needs Judo Foundation is to give G-judoka the chance to develop themselves to their maximal ability, and to a true champion.
In order to look like a true champion, Jasper will receive a judo gi fit for a champion.
