On behalf of the Board and Staff of Judo Ontario, I would like to extend best wishes to you and your families for a happy holiday season! We wish you much happiness and prosperity in the coming year. I trust that 2010 will be another good year for Judo Ontario.

This year, our premier tournament the 2009 Ontario International Open was relocated in Kingston. This tournament was a huge success as we saw almost 600 athletes compete from across Canada and the US. Thanks to the President of Judo Canada and the National Referee Committee for attending and conducting a National A & B referee examination. Congratulations to the successful referees on their upgrading. A special thank you goes out to all the sponsors for their generous contributions and support. It is worth mentioning that our sport was put under the limelight once again, as that weekend was declared “Judo Weekend” by City Council in the City of Kingston. Thanks to Allan Koyanagi, our executive director, for his skills in organizing such successful media coverage. I would especially like to thank all those athletes who competed, and extend our congratulations to all the medalists. My gratitude to the tournament organizing committee, the referees, and all the valuable volunteers who worked so hard and long in the organizing and the running of this event.

One of the highlights for Judo Ontario this year was the constitutional meeting held on November 21st. The recommended amendments made by the present Board were circulated earlier this year and were discussed at this meeting. Each page was reviewed and after much discussion, some minor changes were presented and approved. To ensure accuracy, a constitutional lawyer was tendered for assistance/guidance. He will integrate our new constitutional amendments into document form and the final document will be circulated to the Judo Ontario membership.

Judo Ontario is working closely with our new sport consultant from the Ministry of Health and Promotions to ensure that we follow the criteria set out for all provincial sports. They will assist us in maximizing our opportunities to increase funding.

I wish to remind you of the importance that all clubs and judoka must be registered with Judo Ontario. Simply go on Judo Ontario website @ www.judontario.ca, home page and click on "Membership Renewal". Please note that the due date for membership renewal is now the 1st of September of each year for Clubs, black belts and coloured belts. This membership entitles you to Judo Ontario insurance coverage and many other benefits.

Yours in Judo,

Charlie Formosa
President