Gagebrook 11-year-old Mitch Irwin has only been practising judo for a year, yet he has accrued an im­pressive number of medals in that time. Currently an orange belt, it’s not just the awards that motivate him, but the friendships he is making along the way.

Mitch lives with autism and ADHD, along with dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. He turned to judo after facing bullying at school. “Judo allows Mitch to have fun and friends for the first time,” says Mitch’s mother Sarah. “Judo helps him feel included.”

Coached at Hobart’s Hybrid Training Centre, through Kokoro Judo Club under coach Priscus Fogagnolo, Mitch is now able to com­pete at state competitions on the mainland. He aims to be selected for the Tas­manian state team for judo for nationals in Tasmania 2023. As it’s up to the individual athletes to pay to attend state competitions, Sarah is hoping to raise money for Mitch to compete across the east coast.

If you’re interested in con­tacting Sarah, please email communitynews@brighton.tas.gov.au for more details.