Thus, during the Olympic Games, the IOC had different programmes they were offering to their TOP sponsors and partners, in order to discover or learn more about the sports on the Olympic programme.
In judo, the partners were offered the opportunity to watch the sport from the best seats in the house, together with the IJF President and distinguished IJF guests. They were also offered the chance to attend judo clinics on the Olympic tatami.
The practical sessions were led by Dennis Van Der Geest, world champion and Olympic medallist and Cyrille Maret, world and Olympic medallist. The two champions had different groups of employees from 5 different companies or organisations working with the IOC, visiting the judo venue and getting a fun judo lesson as well as some information and history of our sport. Judogi were donated by IJF official supplier Double D and the IJF covered all the costs related to these special activities. Judo was discovered by many people who have now become fans of the World Judo Tour or have maybe even enrolled in a judo club!
One of the participants said, "This was a dream, absolutely wonderful, one-time experience in your life. Thank you so much to the organisers, the team who welcomed us and both Cyril Maret and Dennis Van Der Geest.”
Judo is an Olympic sport. It is also an amazing way to share experiences with others. In Paris, it was all about that, with Dennis and Cyrille sharing their passion and love for judo. There is no doubt that it was a great success.