On Saturday 22nd March, the 33rd BAA Junior Open Championships (North) that was held at Richard Dunn Sports Centre in Bradford. Juniors from Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Yon Ju Hachi (Boston Spa Aikido Club) and Wharfdale competed in this championship.
It was attended by 150 young people all eager and waiting to demonstrate their skills across five age groups and five different disciplines.
The day was extremely well organized by Lee Mazacs and finished ahead of time with the support of over thirty adult helpers, judges and officials.
The result was close with Leeds taking first place, second Huddersfield and third Yon Ju Hachi. The Huddersfield club, proving yet again, that relatively small numbers can bring high rewards.
The successful Leeds medal winners (above) with coaches, from left to right, Tony Cox, Kay Cox, Mark Jenner, Matt Goodall and John Parker. Not in the photo Leo Smalle and Sarah Fletcher. Seen here taking a leaf from the British National Team pose from Kawasaki.
The teams are now looking forward to the next challenge the Junior National Championships to be held on 21 June 2014.
Sarah Fletcher – BAA Youth Development Officer