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While many high school students may be heading off to a beach somewhere with their families over spring break, a couple of Prince George students will be heading to someplace completely different.
And there won’t be any lying around on the beach.
Tami Goto and Sydney Edgson will be heading to London, England to compete in an international judo competition.
Both are members of the Prince George Judo Club and their provincial coach sent applications in so both will be part of a provincial team heading overseas during spring break.
“”I’m really nervous, but I think it will be a good experience,” said Goto. “When I step on the mat, my nerves usually go away.”
Goto, who is 16 years old and has her brown belt, has been practicing judo since she was four years old.
“It feels cool to throw people over your shoulder,” she says of the sport. “But it depends on whether it’s a good throw or not … It teaches me lots of discipline. I can stay in shape.”
Goto just returned from a competition in Edmonton where she captured a silver in the U18 division and bronze in the senior division.
She is being sponsored by the Brink Group of Companies and company owner John Brink stopped the club’s practice facility on Fourth Avenue to present her with a cheque and practice a few throws.
“The sponsorship money helps a lot,” said Goto. “It’s expensive. I’ve never been to London before.”
For Brink, it was a step back in time as he trained in judo as a teenager and young adult, but hasn’t kept it up. He was amazed at the training facility in Prince George.
“The people around the Prince George Judo Club have done a fantastic job,” he said. “I was amazed when I walked in here. This is the best facility. Families in Prince George should check it out.”
When Goto returns from London, she will be going for her black belt.
To help raise money for Tami and Sydney’s trip, they are selling ‘I love judo’ T-shirts for $20. You can request to order T-shirts to kloehndorf@yahoo.com
