06.10.2024 Masterclass with Dan Powell, Paris 2024 Paralympic Silver Medallist

The East Midland Area AJA were proud to host a judo masterclass led by Dan Powell, fresh off his success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event, held at Shudan Judo in Wellingborough, was a memorable day for all the participants, who had the unique opportunity to learn from a Paralympic silver medalist.

Dan Powell, an accomplished judoka in the -90kg J1 category for visually impaired athletes, recently won silver in Paris, marking his third Paralympic appearance after competing in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020. His journey to the podium in Paris was nothing short of remarkable, overcoming significant personal and physical challenges. Although he fell short in the final match against Brazil’s Arthur Cavalcante da Silva, Powell’s resilience and determination were celebrated by all who witnessed his performance.

Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the mat, Powell is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports. He runs an inclusive gym, GRN8, where he challenges conventional narratives about disability, urging that athletes with disabilities should be seen for their abilities rather than limitations. His dedication to both his sport and to creating opportunities for others made this masterclass an inspiring experience for everyone in attendance.