Algeria: Jasour – News Desk
The Algerian Federation for Special Needs Sports has signed a partnership agreement with the National Judo Federation, aiming to intensify cooperation and coordinate efforts to develop the judo sport for individuals with special needs. This initiative will enable wrestlers in this category to receive the necessary support and preparation for upcoming international competitions, including world championships, global games, and the next Paralympic Games.
This first-of-its-kind agreement between the two federations reflects their shared ambition to unify their efforts, resources, and expertise to enhance the practice of judo. The goal is to form a national elite capable of participating in various continental and international competitions.
The agreement was signed by President of the Algerian Federation for Special Needs Sports, Sayed Ahmed Al-Assari, and President of the Algerian Judo Federation, Yassine Selini, on the sidelines of the ongoing African Open Judo Tournament at the Mohamed Boudiaf Olympic Complex in Algiers.
Through this partnership, both federations commit to necessary consultations and steps to establish a close and fruitful relationship based on information exchange and achieving the desired goals, foremost of which is the participation of special needs wrestlers in international competitions (world championships, global games, African and Paralympic Games).
To ensure the wrestlers of the Algerian Federation for Special Needs reach the desired level according to their physical and mental abilities, the Algerian Judo Federation will provide all available resources and participate as much as possible in their preparations. This will include welcoming these athletes into preparatory programs supervised by the Algerian Judo Federation or its affiliated associations and leagues.
The terms of this agreement will also allow athletes in the Algerian Federation for Special Needs to benefit from the training programs scheduled annually by the Algerian Judo Federation, tailored according to the type and degree of disability.
The implementation of this agreement’s terms requires forming a national judo committee for special needs at the Algerian Federation for Special Needs Sports. This committee’s primary mission will be to develop, organize, and oversee the practice of this sport. It will also be responsible for drafting specific regulations, setting the federal program, monitoring sports competitions, and considering the technical content proposed to athletes.
The agreement concluded with an emphasis that: “To implement this program on the ground, a joint committee composed equally of representatives from the Special Needs Federation and the Algerian Judo Federation (elected and technical members) will be formed, with three representatives from each federation. This committee will study the proposed issues and solutions, making necessary amendments to enhance judo for individuals with special needs.”
It’s worth noting that judo for special needs athletes excelled in the recent Paralympic Games (Paris 2024), winning two medals: a gold by wrestler Abdelkader Bouaamer (under 60 kg / J1 category) and a bronze by wrestler Ould Kouider Ishaq (under 60 kg / J2 category). Algeria concluded its participation in the games with a total of 11 medals
