The Chubut provincial judo team held a critical training camp and selection event this past weekend at Gimnasio Municipal N°1 in Comodoro Rivadavia, sharpening their skills ahead of two major regional competitions: the Patagonian Epade Games in May and the Binational Games of La Araucanía in November.

Nearly 40 Athletes Compete for Provincial Roster Spots

The two-day camp, held April 26-27, drew close to 40 judokas from five cities across Chubut province: Comodoro Rivadavia, Trelew, Puerto Madryn, Esquel, and Trevelin. Athletes ranged in age from 15 to 19 years old, all vying for spots on the final provincial team that will represent Chubut in the upcoming tournaments.

The training sessions were led by a three-coach technical staff: Florencia Fernández, Gaspar Vergani, and Alejandro Mansilla. According to official reports from the provincial sports authority, the camp focused on “lucha (grappling) and the perfection of base techniques,” with athletes evaluated on both technical skills and physical conditioning.

Key Competitions on the Horizon

The immediate goal for the Chubut judo team is the Patagonian Epade Games, scheduled to take place May 17-23 in Santa Rosa, La Pampa. The Epade Games — an acronym for “Encuentro Patagónico de Actividades Deportivas Escolares” — bring together youth athletes from across Argentina’s Patagonian region, including teams from Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego.

Following the Epade Games, Chubut will send its judo team to the Binational Games of La Araucanía, set for November in Río Negro province. These games feature athletes from Argentina and Chile, making them one of the most prestigious youth competitions in southern South America.

“This concentration is the first major evaluative event of the year,” said Hugo Arismendi, one of the provincial team’s technical coordinators, in a statement to Chubut Deportes. “We’re looking at both technical execution and competitive readiness. The athletes who perform best here will represent Chubut at the National Championship in Formosa next month, and then at the Epade and Binational Games.”

Selection Process and Provincial Representation

The weekend’s training camp served as a selection event, with coaches narrowing the field from the initial 40 participants to a final roster of approximately 25 athletes. The selection criteria included:

• Technical proficiency in judo fundamentals (nage-waza, katame-waza)
• Physical conditioning and endurance
• Performance in live sparring (randori)
• Tactical adaptability and competition mindset

The final team will include both male and female athletes, with Chubut aiming to field competitive squads in all weight categories. The province has historically been a strong contender in Patagonian judo, with several athletes advancing to national-level competitions in recent years.

Venue and Training Conditions

The camp took place at Gimnasio Municipal N°1 in Comodoro Rivadavia, a facility that has become a hub for provincial judo activities. Located in the coastal city of approximately 200,000 residents, the gymnasium provides ample mat space and training equipment for high-level judo practice.

Comodoro Rivadavia, known for its windy climate and petroleum industry, has emerged as a key training location for Chubut’s judo program. The city’s central location within the province makes it accessible for athletes traveling from both the Atlantic coast (Puerto Madryn, Trelew) and the Andean region (Esquel, Trevelin).

What’s Next for Chubut Judo

The next major milestone for the Chubut judo team is the National Judo Championship, scheduled for May in Formosa province. This event will serve as the final selection opportunity before the Epade Games, with athletes needing to demonstrate consistent performance to secure their spots on the provincial team.

For fans and families looking to follow the team’s progress:

• Epade Games: May 17-23, 2026 | Santa Rosa, La Pampa
• Binational Games of La Araucanía: November 2026 (exact dates TBA) | Río Negro, Argentina
• Official Updates: Chubut Deportes (chubutdeportes.com) and the Comodoro Rivadavia municipal sports website (comodorodeportes.gov.ar)

Why This Matters for Patagonian Judo

The Epade and Binational Games represent critical developmental opportunities for young judokas in Argentina’s Patagonian region. For athletes from Chubut — a province with a population of just over 600,000 — these competitions provide exposure to higher levels of competition and the chance to earn recognition at the national level.

“These games are where future national team members often get their start,” said Florencia Fernández, one of the lead coaches. “For many of these athletes, this is their first experience competing outside their home cities. The pressure and the level of competition push them to grow quickly.”

The Chubut judo program has been building momentum in recent years, with increased participation at the youth level and improved training infrastructure. The provincial government, through its sports agency EPADE (Ente Provincial de Actividades Deportivas y Educativas), has prioritized judo as part of its broader strategy to develop Olympic sports in the region.

Key Takeaways

• 40 athletes participated in the weekend training camp in Comodoro Rivadavia.
• 25 judokas will be selected to represent Chubut at the Epade Games and Binational Games.
• Epade Games: May 17-23 in Santa Rosa, La Pampa — features teams from across Patagonia.
• Binational Games: November in Río Negro — includes athletes from Argentina and Chile.
• Next step: National Championship in Formosa (May 2026) will finalize the provincial team.
• Coaching staff: Florencia Fernández, Gaspar Vergani, and Alejandro Mansilla led the camp.

How to Watch and Follow

Even as the Epade Games are not typically broadcast on national television, local sports networks in Patagonia often provide coverage. Fans can follow updates through:

• Chubut Deportes’ official website and social media channels
• Comodoro Rivadavia municipal sports department’s website
• Provincial judo federation updates (when available)

For those interested in attending, the Epade Games in Santa Rosa will feature judo competitions alongside other sports like athletics, swimming, and basketball. Ticket information will be available closer to the event dates through the La Pampa provincial government’s sports portal.

The Chubut judo team’s next official event is the National Championship in Formosa, where the final provincial roster will be determined. Follow Archysport for updates on the team’s progress and results from the Patagonian Games.