Following a provincial team training session featuring 40 of the best judo athletes in the province, Judo Saskatchewan held their annual provincial association awards banquet in Moose Jaw on Saturday, September 28. The Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club (MJKJC) was well represented among the award winners.
MJKJC members were among those nominated in most categories, with several receiving multiple awards.
The U16 Male Athlete of the Year award was given to Felix Leonard, with fellow club member Emmett Lee-Neuman among the nominees.
Kenzie Woods took home the U18 Female athlete of the Year (for which MJKJC member Nova Lee-Neuman was also nominated) and the Most Improved Femal Athlete of the Year award.
Avery Gibney was recognized as both the U21 Female athlete of the Year and Senior Female Athlete of the Year, also in the running for those awards was fellow club member, Kolbi Fenrick.
The MJKJC was the recipient of the Club of the Year Award, with Instructor Jim Wiens being recognized for his long-term dedication to Judo in Saskatchewan with the Jim O’Sullivan Memorial.
Dale Berglund of the MJKJC was recognized as Volunteer of the Year during the ceremony.
Several members were in the running for awards as well, although the awards went to members of other Saskatchewan Clubs.
Oleksandr Kornat was nominated for the U14 Male Athlete of the Year award, with the prize going to an athlete from a club in Regina.
Raylynn Maerz received a nomination for U14 Female Athlete of the Year as well, with the award being given to an athlete from Watrous.
The Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club will be hosting the novice team training this weekend.