Sean Allan is a 20 year old Judo player who trains at Castle Douglas Judo Club and Dumfries Judo Academy, where he started practicing judo around 12 years ago.

Sean has an intellectual disability, however he has never let this get in the way of his judo journey, and has always been able to participate in mainstream judo classes with his peers. Although Sean finds some things a bit more difficult than his friends in the club, with hard work and support from his coaches and training partners, Sean has always found a way to succeed.

Sean was recently selected as the sole judo player for Special Olympics Great Britain for the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Games in June, alongside his coach at the club, Luke Struthers, who was also selected as #TeamSOGB head judo coach. Further information about Sean’s selection can be found here: Special Olympics GB secures judo entry for Berlin 2023 World Games

Although part funded by Special Olympics GB and charity gaming event Jingle Jam , Castle Douglas Judo Club and Dumfries Judo Academy have an athlete and coach contribution to pay, to help cover the costs of travel, medical, accomodation, food and kit. As a volunteer led club which is not run for profit, but with the aim of making judo affordable for everyone, we need to raise some additional funding to pay these contributions.

Any support offered would be hugely appreciated by the club, and by both Sean and Luke, and would help to make the most of this opportunity. Any funds raised in excess of our target will remain in the club to support the work we do, with Sean and with other athletes, and help to keep our classes affordable for everyone.