(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – USA Judo will return to Spokane for the first time since 2018 when the Senior National Championships come to The Podium from May 20-21.

The Senior National Championships are expected to draw 500+ athletes, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes as well as Senior and Junior World Team members with their eyes set on qualification for the 2024 and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to competition in the Senior and Visually Impaired National Championship, the tournament also will include Veteran (ages 30+) and Kata (forms) National Championships.

“USA Judo has been a familiar visitor to Spokane thanks to the strong local judo community, the customer service we receive from Spokane Sports and the proximity of The Podium to hotels and area restaurants,” said USA Judo CEO Keith Bryant. “We are looking forward to bringing our top senior athletes to Spokane to experience the newly built Podium venue and continue to showcase our athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

While the 2017 and 2018 USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships were held at the Spokane Convention Center, the 2023 Senior Nationals will take place at The Podium – a sports facility opened in 2021 that has been home to the 2022 USATF Indoor Championships and 2022 USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials.

In addition to the USA Judo Senior Nationals, The Podium also will host several other National Championships within the Olympic family, including the 2023 USA Wrestling Women’s National Championships, 2023 USA Team Handball US Open and Junior Nationals and 2023 USA Badminton Junior Nationals.

“We love the idea that even for a few days, our city becomes home base for elite athletes competing for a national title,” said Spokane Sports CEO Ashley Blake. “When USA Judo decided to return to Spokane for another championship, we took that as a huge compliment. We hope athletes, traveling families and fans enjoy their time in our city.”

Registration for the USA Judo Senior National Championships will open on Feb. 15 at sport80.usajudo.com.

About Spokane Sports
Founded in 1989, Spokane Sports is a non-profit, economic development organization responsible for recruiting, retaining, and facilitating sports events for the Spokane region. As advocates for sports development, our efforts help our region realize the economic, social, and community development benefits of sports. Learn more by visiting us online.

About The Podium Powered by STCU

Spokane is proud to announce an all new, indoor multi-sport venue. Completed in Fall 2021, this world-class facility is located in the heart of downtown, giving athletes front-door access to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. The project forged several unique partnerships and funding approaches, all with the intent to generate economic impact and put Spokane on the map for sports tourism.

About USA Judo

A 501-c-3 non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, USA Judo is the National Governing Body for the sport of judo in the United States. USA Judo serves more than 10,000 members annually, including athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters. A proud member organization of the International Judo Federation, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Blind Sports Association, USA Judo’s mission is to enable all U.S. athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence in domestic and international judo competition, and the promotion and growth of the sport of judo in the United States.

Mark Your Calendars: Spokane to Host Senior National Championships, May 20-21

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