Montreal, May 26, 2017 – The 2017 Canadian Judo Championships Presented by biosports.team are now officially open. Although the Kata events began on Thursday, the opening ceremonies took place Friday morning at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

It was a poignant moment for Allan Sattin, who was presented with an Alberta Sport Recognition Award thanking him for his outstanding contributions to the sport over the past 40 years.

The Alberta Sport Recognition Awards were handed out at a banquet event on April 28 but Sattin was attending an out-of-country judo tournament at the time and was unable to accept his award, which is why Judo Canada wished to honour him during the opening ceremonies.

Sattin, who has been involved in the development of judo in Alberta since 1971, was very touched to be able to accept his award in front of the judo community. He has been a major influence on many Albertan judokas through his leadership and knowledge.

Over the years, he has held several positions at Judo Alberta including those of provincial coach, president, secretary, and member of the grading committee. He has also chaired the referee committee and the awards committee.

Sattin has been involved in a large number of major sporting events in Alberta. The 2017 Canadian Judo Championships Presented by biosports.team are the fourth Nationals tournament he has helped organize.

The public is invited to attend the spirited competitions that will continue at the Olympic Oval until Sunday. Several of the country’s best judokas will face off in the junior, senior, and veterans divisions. Antoine Valois-Fortier, bronze medal winner at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and Priscilla Gagné, Paralympian at the Rio Games, will be on hand.

Ticket prices:

• 4-day pass ($40) over 12 years old – kids under 12 (15$)

• 3-day pass (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) ($35) over 12 years old – kids under 12 (10$)

• Weekend pass (Saturday & Sunday only) ($25) over 12 years old – kids under 12 (7$)

• Day pass over 12 years old ($15)

• Day pass kids under 12 years old ($5)

• Free under 7 years old

For those unable to attend the tournament at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, the event will be broadcast live on http://www.judocanada.tv/.

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