The Sierra Leone Judo Association (SLJA) is set to celebrate World Judo Day on October 28, 2026, with a focus on fostering equity, representation, and community through the sport. This year's global theme, “Belonging,” aims to ensure every athlete feels welcomed, recognised, and valued. The SLJA has organised a double-header event to expand participation among underrepresented demographics in martial arts. The events will take place at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hall in Freetown.
The first event, the National Judo Children’s Performance and Competition, will involve more than 50 children. The second event is a one-day National Female Judo Championship. These activities are designed to ensure children and women feel included and develop a strong sense of belonging within the national sports movement. SLJA President Idriss Massaqoui emphasised the importance of these events in promoting inclusion and grassroots growth in Sierra Leonean judo.
The World Judo Day celebrations in Sierra Leone will prioritise youth development and female participation. The SLJA hopes these events will serve as a springboard for grassroots growth, building a stronger, more inclusive foundation for Sierra Leonean judo. By focusing on underrepresented demographics, the SLJA aims to create a more diverse and vibrant judo community in the country.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) organises World Judo Day globally, and this year's theme seeks to promote a sense of belonging among athletes. The SLJA's events will provide a platform for children and women to participate in judo, promoting the values of the sport and encouraging inclusivity. The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hall will host both events, providing a suitable venue for the competitions.
SLJA President Idriss Massaqoui highlighted the significance of the events in promoting inclusion and development in Sierra Leonean judo. The National Judo Children’s Performance and Competition, as well as the National Female Judo Championship, are expected to attract a large audience and encourage more people to take up the sport. The events will also provide an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a national level.
The Sierra Leone Judo Association's efforts to promote inclusion and youth development in judo align with the country's broader sports goals. By providing opportunities for underrepresented demographics to participate in the sport, the SLJA aims to create a more diverse and vibrant judo community. The World Judo Day celebrations will also raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equity in sports.
The World Judo Day celebrations in Sierra Leone will contribute to the country's sports development and promote the values of judo. The events will provide a platform for athletes to compete, learn, and grow, and will help to build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for Sierra Leonean judo. The SLJA's efforts to promote inclusion and youth development will have a lasting impact on the sport in the country.
Key points
- The Sierra Leone Judo Association will celebrate World Judo Day with a focus on inclusion and youth development.
- The events will include a National Judo Children’s Performance and Competition and a National Female Judo Championship.
- The celebrations aim to promote a sense of belonging among athletes and encourage grassroots growth in Sierra Leonean judo.
