Judo helps 'New Scot' refugees settle in North Ayrshire

Mostly from Ukraine, with some also from Syria, the youngsters had been provided with 15 weeks of free judo lessons, sponsored by the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation and delivered by the head coach at Irvine Judo Club, Gordon Brawley, and his team.

And the 'new Scots' received their honours from a couple of judo legends.

Loretta, from West Kilbride, who organised the classes, is a former world champion, twice European and British champion and won gold for Scotland at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

She was joined by her son, Scott Cusack, who won the British Judo Championship gold medal in the under 81kg category last weekend in Sheffield.

Scott brought along his British and Scottish Championship medals for photos with the kids receiving their red belts, and gave a demonstration of his favourite competitive throws, with the assistance of the Irvine Club coaching staff.

The event came a few months after a similar course was held, mostly for Syrian refugees, at Garnock Community Campus.

The awards were handed out by Loretta herself, who recently returned from Paris where she is part of the team preparing to deliver the judo and wrestling competitions at the Olympics next year.

She returns to Paris in January, and will be employed there full time until the Games finish in August 2024.

The Ukrainian kids are still raw from the very recent trauma of having been torn away from their homes, schools and fathers to safer places away from their homeland.

Irvine Judo Club played a huge role in helping them integrate into the local community – and they have been delighted by the warmth the local community have shown in welcoming them.

Nicky Brawley, who runs the club with her brother-in-law Gordon, revealed the kids had taken part in lots of non-judo-related activities, like a Hallowe'en night, and a sponsored walk that raised approaching £2,000 for dementia suffers in North Ayrshire.

Irvine Judo Club played a pivotal role, generously offering their dojo and coaches for the free lessons - and the sense of camaraderie between the New Scots and local members has been inspiring.

Loretta said: "Judo is not just a sport; it's a bridge to understanding, friendship, and a better future.

"These red belts are a symbol of their journey, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow, not just as judokas, but as vital members of our community."

The constructive collaboration between the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation, Irvine Judo Club, and the new Scots is creating a harmonious blend that enriches lives, fosters unity, and highlights the incredible strength that emerges when a community comes together.

(Photos: Charlie Gilmour)