The course was delivered across two key venues, namely the Youth Palace and the Combat Sports Training Centre. It brought together a total of 35 participants, including judo instructors, active practitioners and physical education teachers. The sessions were conducted in a dynamic and engaging environment, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, collaboration and the enhancement of technical skills.
The programme was led by internationally recognised expert Amadeu Junior, who conducted a series of comprehensive sessions covering fundamental aspects of judo development. These included core judo values, modern training methodologies and refereeing principles. Such topics are essential not only for raising technical standards but also for reinforcing the role of judo as a powerful educational and social tool within communities.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Director General of Sports as well as the Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, underlining the strong institutional support behind the initiative. The closing ceremony was attended by the president of the Olympic Committee, further demonstrating the commitment of national stakeholders to the growth and promotion of judo across the country.
This course represents a significant milestone in the development of judo in São Tomé and Príncipe. It contributes meaningfully to the strengthening of human resources, while also supporting the broader expansion of the sport at a national level. By investing in education and capacity-building, the initiative lays solid foundations for sustainable progress in the years ahead.
According to André Rosa, president of the São Tomé and Príncipe Judo Association, "This course represents a decisive step in strengthening judo in São Tomé and Príncipe. We are investing in people, in the quality of teaching and in building strong foundations for the future of the sport in our country."
Looking ahead, the impact of this initiative is expected to be felt both in the short and medium term. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in the number of qualified coaches, an improved ability to deliver structured programmes within local communities and a stronger integration of judo within the national education system and wider sporting landscape.
The São Tomé and Príncipe Judo Association reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable development of judo, in line with the core values of the sport and the visions of the Olympic Movement and the International Judo Federation. It also remains open to strengthening partnerships and implementing new initiatives that will further support the growth of judo, both nationally and across the region.