13 players and 4 coaches spent Easter weekend on a twinning visit with the Randers De Geus Judo Club in Alkmaar Holland.  Bath Judo Kwai has had links with Alkmaar, Bath’s twin city, since 1997, when its’ players first entered the Alkmaar International Open.

The players spent Easter Saturday on a Sports Activity day, which included the Sports Centre’s Indoor Climbing Wall, Aerial Walkway, rollerblading track as well as a Judo training session with the Bath and Dutch coaches.

On Easter Sunday there was a competition between Bath Judo Kwai, the host club and other local judo players. Top prizes went to Rory Ilott and Rebecca Pierce in their respective categories, while Bath’s 15-year-old Harry Godwin won the “Throw of the Day” award for a contest that lasted just 5 seconds in a group that included 19-year-old black belt players.

 The players and coaches spent the rest of the weekend exploring the city of Alkmaar and the surrounding area in the snow, with their host families.

The medal winners were Gold for Rory Ilott and Becky Pierce and Silver to Kiera Madden. Bronze medals went to Avril Gay, Carla Gay, Amber Hitchcock, Emily-Jane Turner, Kayleigh Madden and Harry Godwin.  Fourth places to Jamie Barrass, Sam Tiley, George Emery and Daniel Hitchcock.

With the Twinning Link between Bath and Alkmaar starting on March 26th 1945 by Bath Rotary Club, to help the people of Alkmaar after the Second World War, this is one of the oldest "Twinnings" between cities in the world.

Click on the Twinning History link below for the full story.

Bath Judo Kwai have been fortunate for securing funds for this event from the Bath- Alkmaar Twinning Committee and the players have received some sponsorship from 2 local companies that have links with the club,

JH Plastering and Emery's Builders.

The club would like to thank all these organisations for their help.

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