This was an enjoyable weekend for a group of Invermere judokas and families attending the annual Fernie Judo tournament. Participents were from Alberta and the Kootenay region. Invermere had five athletes and Jeanette Riches as coach. Bob Gadsby and Hermann Mauthner were there as referees.

Lenni Stich was the first one up from our group and set the pace, applying good technique, winning his first two bouts with ippon. By loosing the third match, Lenni had to refight his strongest opponent, a yellow/orange belt, for first place and again won decisively by ippon to receive the gold medal.

Lucas Nickel showed good balance and used good kusushi but could not succeed against a heavier opponent and placed for a silver medal.

Cassia Riches had to compete against Marnie Rainbow, won that bout but could not, after three matches, win against a heavier boy and also returned with a silver medal. Marnie, trying very hard, received the bronze medal.

Graham Norquay had a green belt as an opponent and won all his bouts with well demonstrated throws, receiving the gold medal.

Congratulations to all the athletes and thank you to the parents for the great support.

Graham will be competing in Kamloops at the Provincial Championships on Feb. 6th. We wish him the best and see you on the tatame.