Amy’s judo vision
AMY Cooper is a 13-year-old with a growing passion for the sport of judo and is heading to the national titles on the Gold Coast in June. Her bid for success is the more admirable because she is blind. “I love it because it’s a martial arts sport I can do because there’s no punching or kicking involved, so I can actually just feel the opposing person’s movements,” Amy said. HOW A CAIRNS CLUB FUELLED HER INTEREST IN THE SPORT:
BLINDNESS hasn’t stopped Amy Cooper from getting into judo, and now the Kewarra Beach teenager is aiming for the national titles.
Her opponent’s moves must be judged by feel and, with no visual clues, the junior judoka must remain attuned to even their slightest movement.
“I love it because it’s a martial arts sport I can do because there’s no punching or kicking involved, so I can actually just feel the opposing person’s movements,” she said.
Amy’s father Scott Cooper said he saw an ad for classes at the Cairns Northern Beaches Judo Club and thought it would be a great opportunity for the 13-year-old to get involved in sport.
“With judo being a Paralympic sport, it seemed like the perfect opportunity,” he said. By coincidence, a visiting trainer experienced in coaching athletes with special needs was instructing at the club on the day Amy arrived.
Mr Cooper praised the Yorkeys Knob-based club for working hard to ensure his daughter was treated the same as other members.
Amy plans to compete in the national championships at the Gold Coast in June.
“I’m … a little bit nervous because it’s my first competition but I’m feeling quite good about it,” she said.