Two local students claimed silver and bronze medals in judo last week at the Ontario Winter Games in Renfrew County, west of Ottawa.
Palmer Sutton, who's in Grade 8 at Guthrie Public School in Oro-Medonte Township, claimed a silver medal in his category, while Nolan Crawford, who's in Grade 9 at Eastview Secondary School in Barrie, captured bronze.
They are both students at Crown Hill Martial Arts judo club, located north of Barrie on Penetanguishene Road.
The club says Sutton and Palmer were the only judo athletes from the Simcoe County region to compete.
There were 58 judo competitors in this year's Ontario Winter Games, ranging from under-16 to under-18 age categories.
"Judo means the gentle way and is a great way for kids to gain confidence and learn hands on skills in a fun and safe environment," Crown Hill Martial Arts sensei Blair MacDonald said in a news release. "We are very proud of how Nolan and Palmer represented Ontario, our region and our club."
Judo was created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano as a physical, mental and moral pedagogy in Japan. It is generally categorized as a modern martial art, which later evolved into a combat and Olympic sport.
