The North of 60 Judo Open, hosted in Yellowknife, tossed aside a Northern attendance record with more than 100 people in attendance.

The event, which spanned Nov. 21-24, included competitors between three to 50 years of age, according to a news release.

SA国际影视传媒淔or many of these children and families, participating in events like this is more than just a competition," said Michael (MohSA国际影视传媒檇 Nour) Salim, regional program manager for the NWT Judo Association and head coach of the Yellowknife Judo Club. "It's a chance to build confidence, develop discipline and experience the value of hard work and good sportsmanship."

Some city councillors, including Mayor Rebecca Alty, Coun. Garrett Cochrane and Coun. Stacie Arden-Smith, were in attendance to witness the throws, tosses and sportsmanship. 

Jean-Pierre Cantin, a 1992 Canadian Judo Olympian and executive director of the NWT Judo Association, was also present.

"This is just a stepping stone, just the beginning of the journey," he said. "We learn to lose with dignity, we learn to win with dignity and we learn to share our passion.SA国际影视传媒�

The news release notes that females in Canadian judo clubs typically make up about a quarter of the overall participation. But for the NWT Judo Association, it's regularly closer to half. 

It added that there are now plans to make next yearSA国际影视传媒檚 championship a nationally-sanctioned event. 

SA国际影视传媒淭his will not only attract athletes from Western Canada but also stimulate economic activity in the territory and create more local job opportunities within the judo community," Salim stated.