JUDO4CO – Innovative Erasmus+ Program for Children with Obesity

NEWS

JUDO4CO in the Netherlands

Project description

The collaboration between the Municipality of Amsterdam, I Sports, SNJF and JOGG-Amstelveen within the JUDO4CO project is driven by a shared ambition: developing a sustainable, inclusive and sport-based approach for children with (a risk of) obesity. Each partner contributes a unique and complementary role, creating a strong and coherent chain of support.

Who are the partners?

  1. Special Needs Judo Foundation

SNJF is an international expert organisation in adapted judo, active since 1977. They develop methodologies, guidelines and training programmes for judoka with disabilities and are an official partner within JUDO4CO. Their expertise ensures that judo is delivered safely, inclusively and pedagogically sound for children with obesity.

Contribution to JUDO4CO:
Within JUDO4CO, SNJF plays an essential role. Henk de Vries, as co-coordinator, carries organisational responsibility for the Erasmus+ project and ensures structure and alignment between partners. Tycho van der Werff strengthens the project with his judo-technical expertise: from safe training principles to inclusive teaching methods and international experience with vulnerable groups.

2. Chain Coordinator for Obesity Prevention Municipality of Amsterdam 

The chain coordinator ensures organisation, alignment and cooperation between all care and support professionals working with children with overweight and obesity. The role stems from the Amsterdam Lifestyle Agreement and the national Integrated Care Agreement, focusing on improving the care chain and connecting youth teams, neighbourhood teams, physiotherapists, paediatricians and other partners.

Contribution to JUDO4CO:
The chain coordinator, Marieke Strietman, is the crucial link ensuring that JUDO4CO aligns with Amsterdam’s care structure and that children are referred in a timely and appropriate manner.

3. Amselveen SPORT

JOGG-Amstelveen works to create a healthy environment for children and young people, focusing on physical activity, healthy eating, drinking water, sleep, media literacy and mental health. 

Contribution to JUDO4CO:
For JUDO4CO, JOGG-Amstelveen is a strategic and connecting partner. JOGG-regisseur Sven Kuit ensures that the project aligns with existing lifestyle programmes in Amstelveen, that the right local networks are involved, and that children with (a risk of) obesity can be guided towards suitable sport activities such as JUDO4CO.

4.  I-SPORT SPECIAL

I Sports offers adapted sports activities for children and young people with disabilities or limited access to sport, supporting more than 100 families and organising 116 activities per year. Their focus is on self-reliance, talent development and safe, low-threshold physical activity.

Contribution to JUDO4CO:
I Sports is the practical implementation partner in Amsterdam Zuid Oost. Under the leadership of chairwoman Diana Esajas, they provide the sports infrastructure, guidance and pedagogical expertise needed to help children with obesity move safely and with motivation.

What have we agreed? (Our tasks)

1. Municipality of Amsterdam: policy framework and local embedding

The Municipality of Amsterdam acts as system coordinator within the urban context. They ensure:

  • policy integration of JUDO4CO within existing health and prevention programmes
  • connections with schools, community sports coaches and neighbourhood networks
  • safeguarding accessibility and inclusion for all participating children

This creates a stable foundation in which JUDO4CO can align with local needs and existing structures.

2. I Sports Special: methodological expertise and sports intervention

I Sports provides methodological and content expertise in sport; behaviour change and lifestyle. Their contribution includes:

  • development of sports interventions and training modules
  • guidance for trainers and coaches
  • monitoring children’s progress and motivation

I Sports forms the bridge between policy frameworks and daily practice in the dojo and sports environment.

3. SNJF: judo expertise, club network and quality assurance

SNJF contributes judo-technical knowledge, a national club network and quality standards. They ensure:

  • implementation of the JUDO4CO methodology within affiliated clubs
  • training of judo instructors in inclusive and pedagogical methods
  • safeguarding safety, accessibility and enjoyment in the sports environment

This embeds the sports intervention sustainably within the judo infrastructure.

4. JOGG-Amstelveen: join in to cooperate

JOGG-Amstelveen has expressed its intention to join this concept. Advanced discussions have already taken place, and final agreements will be confirmed on Tuesday 2 June.

Joint Added Value 

One Chain, One Approach

The strength of the collaboration lies in the clear division of roles and complementary expertise:

  • Municipality of Amsterdam provides policy and access
  • I Sports provides methodology and guidance
  • SNJF provides technical execution in four 10-week training-sessions for children with obesities, and quality assurance
  • JOGG-Amstelveen provides alignment with lifestyle programmes and referral pathways

Together, they create an integrated, scalable and sustainable model in which sport, health and social development come together. This collaboration forms the foundation for a strong, sustainable and well-embedded JUDO4CO ecosystem that supports children in their physical, mental and social development.