This year in January, the Malta Judo Foundation was formed, with the primary aim of Building the International Judo Centre – the facility which the federation desperately needs for her advancement. H. E. Andrew Bertie is Patron of the Foundation and Marquis Anthony Buttigieg de Piro is Honorary President, both personalities are Judoka.

Andrew Bertie Festival

The Judo Federation is one of the most advanced Maltese Sport organisations in the teaching for children. The European Medical Commission has been studying this sector together with the Education Commission, for the past 10 years and together developed a very attractive programme for the young Judoka.

Most of these meetings were held in Malta and most Maltese coaches who teach children attended these seminars. The Federation organises a yearly festival for this age group named after the Festival Patron, Andrew Bertie. As from this year an Easter Festival has been added. The Federation organises special children weekly courses called the “Dragon Espoir”

Malta International Open

The Malta Open is now coming to the 23rd year. The date for the 23rd Malta International Open has been set for 18th March 2007. This will be an important event as it will be the Dress rehearsal for the First Judo European Championships to be organised in Malta later in the year

EJU activities in Malta 2006

As from 15th December 2004, when Envic Galea was elected as general secretary of the EJU, the office of the Sport Union moved to Malta. It is from here that Envic Galea, together with Louisa Galea and Alexis Milne administer all the activities of the EJU which, every year, top 100 championships and seminars.

This year five seminars of the EJU will be held in Malta:

• 3 July to 8 July: First EJU Children Education and Training camp

• 3 July to 8 July: First EJU Examination & Seminar for Judo Kata Seminar

• 30 August to 2 September: Second Administrative Seminar EJU

• 30 August to 2 September: EJU Medical & Anti-doping Seminar

• 2 September: Second EJU Organisation seminar for 2007 EJU Championships organisers

Cadet European Championships 2007

As previously announced, Malta has won the bid to organise the under 17 European Championships. These will be organised in July 2007 at the Cottonera Sports Hall