Judo coach recognised for 40 years of service

Tony Palmer in his judo kit standing in a gym. He has short grey hair and a beard and is wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses. — Tony Palmer was awarded a certificate from the British Judo Association to mark 40 years of voluntary work [BBC]

A Jersey man has been recognised by a sports organisation for his 40-year service to judo.

Tony Palmer started practising judo when he was 21 years old and has coached Jersey's two judo clubs for decades.

Mr Palmer was awarded a certificate from the British Judo Association - which he said was a shock.

He said he "didn't expect" the certificate, adding everything he did was through his love of the sport.

The Jersey Judo Association (JJA) president Bill Baker awarded the certificate to Mr Palmer on Saturday after a revalidation event for the island's judo coaches.

Mr Palmer is the treasurer of JJA, the organisation which governs and promotes the sport in the island, and he runs the Torakan Judo Club in Communicare Community Centre, St. Brelades, as well as the Jersey Judo Club in Fort Regent, St Helier.

He said he especially enjoyed seeing young people taking part in the sport.

"They do the best they can and that's all I ever ask," he added.

"It doesn't matter whether you win or lose as long as you come off the mat knowing you've done the best you can."

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