Members of the Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club were honored to host a team of 27 judoka from Hotoku High School from Osaka, Japan. They were accompanied by their head instructor, Mr. Mitsumoto. Also traveling with the team were coaches Tsuyoshi Komaru and Masamichi Kanaya as well as their interpreter, Mrs. Matsumoto. The athletes enjoyed homestays with various club families while the adults stayed at the Lethbridge Lodge during their four day visit. In addition to a Judo training camp and mini shiai, everyone enjoyed paintball, the corn maze, and local sightseeing. A barbeque was held on Saturday evening and everyone traveled to Waterton National Park on Sunday for horseback riding, swimming, picnicking and exploring the town site. Mr. Mitsumoto and Mrs. Matsumoto also took in some of the local antique shops and on Monday morning they were off to Vancouver for the second part of their trip. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed hosting the Japanese contingent.

For some pictures, click here.