PORT HAWKESBURY: Athletes from the Port Hawkesbury Judo Club put together a great showing at the Atlantic Open Judo Championships. Five members attended, and there was no shortage of medals returning to the local dojo.
“I’m quite happy with how things went and how things are going,” said instructor Wayne Reynolds.
Taking silver at the U14 level were Reid Matheson, and his siblings Raya Matheson (U12) and Kaleb Matheson (U10) each brought home bronze medals. Matthew Cavanagh managed a bronze in U12 competition, and representing the club in several tough matches was Elliotte Cook.
“Elliotte didn’t medal, but he picked up some experience,” the coach said. “He’s one of our candidates for the Canada Games. He’s coming along great.
“Reid is super strong and teachable, and Raya and Kaleb really showed up for the tournament,” Reynolds said. “Kudos to them.”
Reynolds said Cavanagh also came out with a great showing.
“He’s dynamite,” the coach said. “He’s an orange belt, he listens to instructions excellently, and he’s very teachable.”
Reynolds, along with his son Elliotte, are the instructors at the club, but they operate in conjunction with a parents organization that, says Reynolds, is second to none.
The Atlantic Open Judo Championships was held in Summerside, P.E.I., and this year marked the first time the championship was held there. This was also a transitional year for the tournament, as the even rebranded itself as the Atlantic Open Judo Championships. In years past, it was called the Atlantic Canadian Judo Championships.
The Credit Union Place in Summerside will serve as the anchor location of the Atlantics. Nova Scotia’s yearly major tournament is the N.U.M.A. Cup each spring.
The Atlantics might be behind the local fighters, but the crew will remain busy as they visit Moncton for a tournament on April 14 and Bridgewater for a tournament on May 5.
The club will also have a bottle drive on Saturday, April 28.
In the meantime, anyone looking to try out the sport can visit the club’s headquarters located upstairs at the Strait Area Community Curling Club building on MacQuarrie Drive Ext. The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday night.