Shreveport, La. – The 2023 Junior Olympic Championships for judo are just around the corner to be held in Shreveport, La. from June 16-18 at the Shreveport Convention Center.
The largest USA Judo tournament in the nation, the Junior Olympic Championships are expected to draw nearly 1,000 competitors ranging in from ages five to 20 from around the nation. The tournament serves as a proving ground for future champions with nearly all of the athletes who go on to compete at the Olympic Games previously fighting in the Junior Olympics which also has frequently been the trials for the Junior and Cadet World Championships.
“We are excited to be hosting our premier event in Shreveport with our outstanding partners at the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission who are committed to making this a first-class tournament,” said Keith Bryant, USA Judo executive director / CEO. “I know the Shreveport community is looking forward to embracing our community and seeing the athletes who may go on to compete at the 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”
Shreveport-Bossier has hosted numerous elite sporting events, including the 2020 and 2021 USA Boxing National Championships, the 2011 NCAA women’s basketball first and second rounds, and the 2022 Women’s Volleyball Nations League.
“The Shreveport-Bossier community is thrilled to welcome the competitors of USA Judo 2023 Junior Olympics. Our hope is that they experience true southern hospitality, family-friendly attractions, and Louisiana’s renowned Cajun cuisine in between matches,” said Sara Nelms, director of sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
For trip planning and more about Visit Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org.