A Lanarkshire judo club has received high praise for its dedication to local residents' physical and mental wellbeing.
Running for more than 60 years, Hamilton Judo Club has made participation in sport and fitness accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
After visiting the group at their premises at the Jock Stein Centre in the town, Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon commended volunteers and submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament for their excellent work.
The Holyrood politician was a special guest of the not-for-profit club, following the recent launch of its wellbeing sessions, and was there to find out all about their work in the community.
Hamilton Judo Club 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.
Earlier this year, it received £4504 from VASLan’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which made it possible to run the wellbeing classes.
Ms Lennon 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).
During the visit earlier this month, the Scottish Labour and Cooperative representative took part in the class led by lead coach John and presented an award to a student with Additional Support Needs.
After being impressed by the club’s dedication to the community, the MSP submitted a motion recognising its efforts to the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Lennon told Lanarkshire Live : “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!”
The motion submitted to the Scottish Parliament states: "That the Parliament commends the achievements of Hamilton Judo Club on serving the local community for almost 60 years; applauds the not-for-profit club for its inclusive and welcoming approach, which includes training for all ages, and groups for disabled people and people with additional support needs; welcomes the recently-launched health and wellbeing classes that seek to support the physical and mental wellbeing of people who struggle to source suitable exercise classes, which are supported by Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN) through its Communities Mental Health and Well-Being Fund; notes that the club works closely with local partners, including South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, VASLAN and schools; considers that the Club is a great ambassador for Judo in Scotland; commends the volunteer-led coaching team, whose time, energy, and commitment contributes to the Club’s triumphs and the fun and joy shared by the students and their families every week, and wishes everyone involved in Hamilton Judo Club continued success, good health and enjoyment."
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