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USA Judo joins Jeremy’s Heroes
To foster the best in kids
Colorado Springs, CO, May 6, 2011 – The emotional and physical fortitude that Jeremy Glick gained from his years training in judo was certainly present on that fateful day as he foiled a plot by hijackers of United Flight 93 to strike a target in Washington, D.C.
Now, USA Judo and Jeremy’s Heroes, the national organization that promotes youth sports and mentoring for needy kids, have teamed to foster Glick’s legacy and the promise it holds for our youth.
"We are so proud to partner with USA Judo. Jeremy was a National Collegiate Judo Champion. We attribute his mental and physical efforts to thwart the hijackers on 9/11 to his lifetime of training in judo, says Jeremy's Heroes Executive Director, Jennifer Glick. "A partnership between Jeremy's Heroes and USA Judo will allow us to promote the importance of sports and service for our children's healthy bodies, minds and spirits. They in turn, will be better citizens tomorrow."
Jeremy Glick was a sports enthusiast and former national collegiate judo champion, who demonstrated many of the life-skills he learned in sports, including teamwork, determination and self confidence, on that fateful morning of heroism. Supporting and encouraging those skills in all our kids today is what Jeremy’s Heroes, named in his memory, is all about.
“We see a lot of ways that we could work with Jeremy’s Heroes,” said Sherri Phillips, Director of Marketing for USA Judo, the national governing body for the Olympic sport in the United States. “We have so many fantastic athletes who have pulled themselves up in life with judo and they would make terrific mentors and examples of success for kids to follow.”
“You put kids in a judo dojo or out on a soccer field with a great coach and they’re suddenly a world away from the streets,” Phillips said. “Participation in sports is a great avenue for teaching kids positive character attributes as well as building a healthy lifestyle.”
USA Judo World Champion, Kayla Harrison, assisted with kicking off the partnership with Jeremy's Heroes by playing in their annual golf tournament with many other well known sports figures. Harrison followed her golf game by addressing the attendees at an evening dinner event.
In the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death we are reminded that Jeremy did not die in vain. His legacy lives on through Jeremy’s Heroes and his contribution to society continues to pay it forward by influencing and changing thousands of children’s lives every day.
Night of Champions – A Huge Success!
Over 200 people showed at the semi-formal/black tie event held Friday, May 20th at the exclusive Denver Athletic Club. Judokas, wrestlers, family and friends arrived to pay tribute to four deserving honorees at the Colorado Night of Champions. Those who were honored include Leonard “Buck” Wessell and Dr.Dennis McGuire, honored by USA Judo; and Arno Niemand and Scott Beck who were honored by USA Wrestling.
President Lance Nading and CEO, Jose Rodriguez presented awards to the USA Judo honorees. Both honorees delivered powerful messages to the attendees on creating and behaving as a champion. USA Wrestling, who partnered with USA Judo on the event also had their CEO, Rich Bender and Jim Scherr, former CEO of the US Olympic Committee and Olympian present on behalf of USA Wrestling to their distinguished guests.
Leonard “Buck” Wessell, founder of Boulder Judo Training Center and co-founder of the Team Force program spoke about the attributes of a champion and stressed that while there are many champions, true heroes give back and show gratitude. Wessell also thanked his family and emphasized how fitting it was that the two organizations, USA Judo and USA Wrestling, had created a partnership for the event.
Dr. Dennis McGuire, founder of Northglenn Judo club one of the oldest judo clubs in the country, spoke about his journey with the program. He recognized many individuals that had assisted him along the way and made special mention of Buck Wessell, Lance Nading and Lee Sands, all who were leading competitors in his program during the early days. He also thanked his family and encouraged the youth judokas in attendance to continue to pursue their dreams.
“USA Judo is proud and humbled to honor these individuals” stated CEO, Jose Rodriguez. “Their contributions to the development of judo in the United States will be recognized and leave a legacy long after this evening is over.”
“We realize that there are many deserving individuals that have contributed to our sport from all across the country and we look forward to beginning a tradition where we can pay homage to those people through the Night of Champions event” concluded Rodriguez.
Also honored for their outstanding performance in competition were nine Colorado athletes including; Brittany Burger, Robert Burger, Alexa Liddie, Dartanyon Crockett, Connor Murtha, George Truong, Joseph Hashimoto, Mike Kannianan and Myles Porter. An award of special recognition was presented to Pat Nading-Amman, President of Colorado Judo League, for her continued support of USA Judo especially in the state of Colorado.
Anthony Robles, the athlete who won the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships with only one leg, spoke to the crowd about overcoming obstacles and taking charge of the things that you have power over. His inspirational story was a perfect fit for the affair.
Senator Hank Brown of Colorado served as the Honorary Chair of the event. Brown recognized the impact of youth sports in Colorado and complimented the honorees on their dedication to the development of judo and wrestling in the state.
To see a complete photo album on the event, visit USA Judo on Facebook.
Colorado Springs, CO – Defense Soap, producer of body cleaners and foam barriers specifically for wrestlers, judokas and other mat athletes, has signed to be an official sponsor of USA Judo.
“USA Judo is very pleased to be entering into a partnership with Defense Soap,” said Sherrie Phillips, Director of Marketing for USA Judo. “This is a product that is developed specifically to address the needs of athletes that are in mat sports. We are excited to be able to provide a product to our athletes that they can use and need on a daily basis.”
As part of the sponsorship agreement, USA Judo clubs will have the opportunity to market and sell Defense Soap products as a way to raise money for their programs by becoming a commissioned based distributor, explained Phillips.
USA Judo’s Chief Executive Officer Jose Rodriguez described the sponsorship as “a natural. We look forward to a long relationship with Defense Soap,” he said.
“We’re very excited to be an official partner of USA Judo,” said Guy Sako, founder of Defense Soap. Sako has been a Cleveland Police Officer for 21 years and youth wrestling coach for 16 years.
“We are both honored and humbled that such a prestigious organization is relying upon Defense Soap to help protect their athletes. We are more than up for the challenge and cannot wait to move even further ahead with USA Judo," Sako said.
Defense Soap products are clinically tested and contain natural antimicrobial ingredients shown to be effective against common infections such as MRSA, Staph, Ringworm, Impetigo & Herpes.
Defense Soap was founded in November of 2005. Originally, created to help protect youth wrestlers from skin infections, the Cleveland-based company has expanded to provide a full line of personal hygiene products for combat athletes, including bars, shower gel, body wipes and barrier foam. For more information, go to their website at www.defensesoap.com.
Raw Health International becomes Official Partner of USA Judo
The makers of Raw Heat and Raw Ice, two popular products for fast and effective pain relief from just the sort of muscle injuries encountered by hard-fighting judo players, has signed with USA Judo to become an Official Partner, USA Judo announced.
“The Raw Health International partnership is geared towards keeping our athletes and members healthy. This is a product we know our athletes need and will use. We are pleased to have Raw Health International as a member of our family of sponsors” said USA Judo CEO, Jose Rodriguez.
Under this agreement, Raw Health International will become the Official Topical Pain Relief Partner of USA Judo. Included in the six-year partnership will be discounts for USA Judo clubs and members on products made by Raw Health. Raw Health will also provide product to 25 athletes at each of the nationally designated training sites quarterly as well as sample products for teams being sent abroad for competition at no cost to USA Judo. A portion of the proceeds from judo specific sales of Raw Heat and Raw Ice will go to support USA Judo. Raw Health will provide substantial discounts to USA Judo for purchases of Raw Heat and Raw Ice for internal use.
RAW Health Internationals CEO, Ross Marino said, “The partnership with USA Judo is one that we are extremely proud of. USA Judo and their members know that RAW Heat and RAW Ice are a safe, natural and effective means to relieve the aches and pains that their athletes incur. We are honored to have world-class athletes using our products and look forward to the continuing support of their entire membership over the next six years.”
USA Judo clubs and members will find links to Raw Health products on this and other eLetters and USA Judo websites.
USA Judo is proud to announce the signing of a two year deal with Ludus Tours who will serve as the
Official Travel and Hospitality Partner for the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Through this partnership, USA Judo members will receive discounted rates on tour packages to international locations, including London for 2012.
Ludus Tours specializes in tour packages and hospitality at the world's biggest cultural and sporting events. They currently are offering travel packages to both the 2012 Summer Games in London, the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Since 2003, Ludus has helped thousands of individuals, families and organizations in the sports world with their accommodation and hospitality needs. Ludus is the Official Hospitality Provider for organizations including the NHL Players Association, USA Track & Field, USA Taekwondo, USA Weightlifting and US Speed Skating to name a few. Based in Austin, Texas, the company also has offices in London, England as well as other locations.
“USA Judo is very pleased to be able to continue to bring value to our members by creating partnerships with companies like Ludus Tours,” said USA Judo CEO Jose Rodriguez. “Ludus has a proven background in hospitality and we are confident that this relationship will be extremely helpful for our athletes, athlete’s families and members as we approach the Olympic Games and thereafter.”
Founded in 2003 by Adam and Jessica Dailey, Ludus Tours hosted more than 2,000 clients from 27 nations at the 2006 Torino Olympic Games. In addition to the Games, Ludus Tours also has coordinated trips to events around the globe including the World Cup, the Tour de France, the Superbowl and various Olympic Games cities.
