10 Nov 2014

Botswana Judo Federation (BJF) sports director, sensei Willie Paulsen has pleaded with parents to embrace judo as a sport which prepares the mental state of children.

Speaking at the BJF inter-club tournaments programme for schools in Tlokweng on Saturday November 8, sensei Paulsen said judo helps children to stay alert.

He noted that through the assistance of the Japanese Embassy, they are hoping to sell judo so that it can be appreciated by many.

Sensei Paulsen said it was important that the sport has the buy in from parents and teachers for it to grow.

For his part, the chairperson of Lesedi Development Judo Club, Dimpho Chakela said their aim was to promote judo countrywide.

They also aim at encouraging teachers to be trained in the sport so that they could impart it to their pupils.

“If teachers could join this sport we would not have to worry about shortage of coaches because they would help coach pupils,” he said.

He cited lack of funds and shortage of coaches as challenges which hinder the growth of the sport. Chakela said judo was an alternative engagement that pupils could participate in to keep away from being idle.

“I understand that education comes first, but at times sports can help sustain those who are not academically gifted,” Chakela said.

About 98 children aged six to 19 years from six judo development primary school clubs participated in the event. ENDS