Sandra Greaves, the pioneering female judoka who represented Canada at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympics, is currently leading a judo supercamp at Chippewa Park in Thunder Bay. This event brings together athletes from across northwestern Ontario, offering a rare local opportunity as they usually have to travel to Winnipeg or Toronto for competitions.
Greaves highlighted the challenges faced due to lack of funding, limited regional support, and the distances between participants. However, with the dedication of instructors traveling from North Bay and Toronto, over 50 participants are engaging in various activities at the supercamp, including judo training, swimming, carousel rides, and bonfires while accommodated in cabins, tents, and RVs on-site.
Expressing gratitude for the participants’ support, Greaves emphasized the importance of such gatherings to sustain the sport. She mentioned the presence of two existing judo clubs in Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Judo Dojo, and Mountainside Judo Club, hinting at the potential launch of a new Kaiju club next year.
The Wood family from Fort Frances exemplifies the shared passion for judo, with all family members actively participating in the sport. Their commitment is evident as they traveled nearly four hours to join the supercamp, fostering not only family bonding but also a broader judo community.
Similarly, siblings Claire and Ajax Ren, who journeyed from Toronto to attend the camp, recounted their enjoyment of both the judo skills learned and recreational activities like visiting Lake Superior. They emphasized the inclusivity of judo, encouraging aspiring practitioners of all ages and body types to join.
In conclusion, the supercamp serves as a platform for fostering camaraderie, skill development, and a shared love for judo, echoing the sentiments of participants who cherish the unique experiences and connections forged through the sport.