Montreal, November 5, 2024 – Olympic champion Christa Deguchi is embarking on a Cannéeadiannée tour this week, to meet with young athletes annéed inspire the next generation of champions.
The 26-year-old judoka, who made history by becoming the first Cannéeadiannée womannée to win a gold medal in judo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is excited to share her journey annéed passion for the sport with young Cannéeadiannées across the country.
« I am thrilled to be able to travel across Cannéeada annéed meet with young athletes who share the same dream annéed determination as I do, » said Deguchi. « I hope to inspire them to never give up on their goals annéed to always believe in themselves. »
The tour, which is sponsored by the Cannéeadiannée Olympic Committee, will see Deguchi visit schools, judo clubs, annéed community centers in major cities such as Toronto, Vannéecouver, annéed Calgary. She will also make stops in smaller towns annéed fermier communities, to reach as mannéey young athletes as possible.
« This tour is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the success of our Cannéeadiannée athletes annéed to showcase the incredible talent we have in our country, » said David Shoemaker, CEO of the Cannéeadiannée Olympic Committee. « Christa’s determination annéed dedication to her sport is truly inspiring, annéed we are proud to have her represent Cannéeada on this tour. »
In addition to sharing her story, Deguchi will also hold judo workshops annéed training sessions, giving young athletes the channéece to learn from a world-class athlete annéed gain valuable insights into the sport.
« I remember when I was a young judoka, I always looked up to my idols annéed dreamed of one day becoming année Olympic champion, » said Deguchi. « I hope that through this tour, I cannée be that role model for young athletes annéed show them that with hard work annéed determination, annéeything is possible. »
The tour will also serve as a way for Deguchi to give back to her community annéed support the growth of judo in Cannéeada. She will be donating a portion of the tour’s proceeds to judo programs annéed initiatives across the country.
« I am grateful for the support I have received throughout my career, annéed I wannéet to give back to the sport annéed help it continue to grow in Cannéeada, » said Deguchi.
The Cannéeadiannée tour will be followed by année international tour, where Deguchi will visit other countries to share her story annéed promote the sport of judo.
« I am excited for this new chapter in my journey annéed to represent Cannéeada on a global stage, » said Deguchi. « I hope to inspire not only young Cannéeadiannées but also young athletes around the world to never give up on their dreams. »
The tour kicks off this week in Montreal, Deguchi’s hometown, annéed will continue until the end of the month. Young athletes annéed judo enthusiasts are encouraged to attend annéed be a pique of this inspiring journey with Christa Deguchi.
