Breaking Barriers Through Judo

My project, Breaking Barriers Through Judo, will provide funding for disadvantaged youth athletes in the Edmonton Capital Region to access high-performance Judo opportunities. Many young athletes face financial and social barriers that prevent them from pursuing sport at an elite level. This initiative will support Ukrainian refugees, Indigenous youth, women, athletes with adverse financial situations, and athletes with cognitive disabilities by reducing the financial strain of competitions.

Judo is more than a sport. It teaches discipline, resilience, and respect. By investing in these athletes, we are not only helping them grow in sport but also empowering them to build confidence and leadership skills that extend into their education and community life.

While many community sports programs exist, few are tailored to marginalized youth at the high-performance level. My project bridges this gap by ensuring that athletes do not lose opportunities due to financial or systemic barriers. By combining competitive sport with inclusivity, we can create a unique pathway that empowers underrepresented groups in an area where they are often excluded.

I already have a partnership with Tokugawa Judo Club which has committed to supporting this initiative. Tokugawa Judo Club is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Societies Act and are volunteer run. They are committed to creating accessibility in sport and currently fund 80% of athlete’s competition costs. However, there are numerous athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds that have had to turn down opportunities due to financial difficulty.

Without support, many of these athletes could step away from Judo due to financial barriers. With this funding, we can open doors for them to reach their full potential in sport, in school, and in their communities.

This project will directly benefit disadvantaged youth athletes in the Edmonton Capital Region who are committed to pursuing high-performance Judo but face significant financial and social barriers. The primary groups who will benefit include:

Ukrainian refugees: Many refugee families arrive in Edmonton with limited resources, making it difficult to afford competitive sports for their children. This program will provide them with a sense of belonging, stability, and an opportunity to excel in a new country.

Indigenous athletes: Indigenous youth often face systemic barriers to participation in sport, including limited access to facilities and funding. By supporting Indigenous athletes at the high-performance level, this project creates pathways for representation and success that can inspire future generations.

Women in sport: Female athletes are often underrepresented in high-level martial arts. Supporting women in Judo ensures equitable opportunities to train, compete, and succeed, while helping to break down gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Athletes with cognitive disabilities: Judo provides structure, discipline, and an inclusive environment that is particularly beneficial for athletes with cognitive challenges. By enabling them to participate in high-performance opportunities, we give them a chance to thrive, build confidence, and be recognized for their abilities.

Athletes facing financial hardship: Some young athletes under 18 must work part-time jobs to help fund their own Judo. The financial strain often forces them to choose between school and pursuing their athletic dreams. This project will relieve some of that burden, allowing them to dedicate more time and energy to training and education.

Beyond these groups, the Edmonton community as a whole benefits. When youth from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in high-performance sport, they become role models for their peers and younger athletes. Their achievements demonstrate that excellence in sport is possible regardless of background or circumstance.

The long-term impact extends even further. Judo instills values of respect, perseverance, and leadership that athletes carry into their education, workplaces, and community roles. By removing barriers, this project ensures that promising athletes are not excluded due to financial hardship but instead are given the chance to reach their full potential and inspire others.