This coming Saturday, July 24, 2022 (8 pm) the United States Judo Federation will honor the achievements of outstanding female judoka with induction into the Judo Hall of Fame. The ceremony, which was suspended in 2021 due to the pandemic, will be held at the Ft Lauderdale Convention Center.
Previously, in the same Ft Lauderdale Convention Center, the national competitions will be held on July 23 and 24. On Saturday night at a closing dinner, the plaque and ring will be presented to the people who were chosen in 2021 as new members of the Hall of Fame.
Among those chosen is the Cuban-American Héctor Estévez is one of the great figures of world judo, who has stood out in this sport both as an athlete, as a teacher, and as an international referee.
Exalting him to the Hall of Fame by the USJF does justice to the merits of this great judoka and better person, who honors Cuba, the city of Miami and the United States with his presence.
In the event will also be many Miami judo personalities, as well as family, friends, senseis and judokas.
“We are honored to officially inform you that the Board of Directors of the United States Judo Federation has confirmed your induction into the United States Judo Hall of Fame Class of 2021,” reads the official statement. “His induction into the Hall of Fame reflects his significant contribution to judo at the highest levels.”
During his time as an athlete, Sensei Estévez, who is a black belt, seventh dan, won gold, silver and bronze medals in important national and international tournaments, including the Pan American Games, world championships and the Olympic Games.
After his retirement, he began an outstanding career as a national and international referee and received dozens of awards for his excellent work. Among the events in which he has participated as an official are the Olympic Games, Pan American Judo Games, world championships and national tournaments in the United States.
Estévez currently collaborates with the A. Kolychkine Judo Foundation in Miami and in all judo events of the Federation in the Capital del Sol.
“It is a pleasure to proudly announce to the entire Judo Family, the induction of our brother, Judoka, Sensei and Friend, Héctor Estévez to the United States Judo Federation Hall of Fame,” he said in a statement from the Foundation. A. Kolychkine.
“We want to congratulate him and recognize his lifelong dedication to judo as an athlete, international competitor, coach and Olympic referee, but above all as a great man and judoka, on and off the canvas,” the text added.
The sensei is the first Cuban-American to receive this recognition by the United States Judo Federation.
“I don’t think I deserve everything I’ve done, I’ve only tried to give judo the same thing that judo gave me, but after more than 50 years of hard work it’s very nice to be recognized,” said Estévez. “This recognition is also for the new generations of judoka boys and girls who have a dream of succeeding.”
“I receive this recognition with great humility, thanking all the teachers who taught me the way, courage and perseverance. Thanks to my friends, the judo family and of course my family for their support,” he added.
To his qualities as a man of judo, Héctor adds his extraordinary values as a human being, being a true example for all and pride for Cubans.
It only remains to congratulate him, tell him that it is a real luxury to have him here in Miami where he is an adopted son, and as the US Judo Federation itself says: Thank you for all your contributions to judo!
