The Small Country Judo Challenge is a tournament and an international training camp for judokas with visual impairments. It is organised from July 2nd to 7th, 2023, at the Pajulahti Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Lahti, Finland.

The event is organised by the Tikkurila Judo Club in cooperation with the Finnish Judo Federation and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). It is supported by the Finnish Paralympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.

The Small Country Judo Challenge is a new initiative by IBSA Judo to promote the sport in the so-called small countries. The event is the first of its kind, and it will take place if there are an adequate number of IBSA member countries participating. IBSA Judo will offer a number of accommodation grants to participating countries financed by the annual IPC Judo Grants. The Application form is available at this link and must be sent in by the 15 April 2023 .

The event consists of two parts: a four-day training camp and a one-day competition. From the competition, there is a chance to earn World Ranking Points on the road to the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. During the training camp, the athletes and their coaches have a chance to train together and learn from each other. The training camp is focusing on the special aspects of visually impaired judo. The aim is that after the camp, every participant will have something new in their judo toolbox.

Further information:
Päivi Tolppanen
+358 50 569 0297
[email protected]