Visit: Hamilton Judo Club

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has commended Hamilton Judo Club for making participation in sport and fitness accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

The Holyrood politician was a special guest of the not-for-profit club, following the recent launch of its well-being sessions, to find out about its work in the community.  

Based at the Jock Stein Centre, the non-profit club has been established for almost 60 years and has classes for juniors through to seniors.  

It also has a group specifically for those with physical disabilities and additional support needs and has recently set up a new class for adults looking to improve their fitness levels and mental wellbeing.  

Monica met with the club chairman Nick Prag, coaches John Kane and John D’Ambrosio, as well as Stephen Sweeney from VASLan (Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire). 

Hamilton Judo Club received £4,504 from VASLan’s Communities Mental Health and Well-being Fund earlier this year, making it possible to run the well-being classes. 

During the visit Monica took part in the class led by lead coach John D’Ambrosio and presented an award to a student with Additional Support Needs. 

So impressed was Monica with the club’s dedication to the community that she has submitted a motion recognising its efforts to the Scottish Parliament  

The Scottish Labour and Cooperative representative said: “Hamilton Judo Club’s dedication to the local community has been unwavering over six decades now, and it just keeps going from strength-to-strength. 

“I was really impressed to learn about the range of classes the club now offers, there really is something for people of all ages and abilities.  

“That the club is run entirely by volunteers makes their efforts even more remarkable. 

“I was also delighted to present Remi Ping An of the ASN class with his first-grade certificate – well done, Remi!”