Kortrijk’s defining moment wasn’t a throw, but a welcome

Adapted judo events often deliver the kind of sporting stories that don’t make loud headlines, yet hit the hardest. At the Triglav Insurance Get Together Tournament Kortrijk 2026, the most memorable scene wasn’t about points or a bracket. It was about a young Belgian judoka named Steff taking his first steps into a competition setting in a way that actually felt safe.

Steff wasn’t ready to face full competition pressure, and nobody tried to force it. Instead, he shared a playful exchange on the tatami with Peter Vermeir, President of the Belgian Judo Federation. The gesture looked simple, but it changed the whole atmosphere: less expectation, more joy, and a clear message that he belonged.

Steff is 23 now, and his route into judo started with uncertainty. His father, Wym, explains that concerns were present from birth, and after 18 months the family received a diagnosis: Fragile X syndrome. It’s a genetic condition that may be less visible than some others, but can shape daily life in powerful ways.

Inclusion can be a bigger win than any result sheet.

With no “solution,” the family focused on adapting. Through conversations with other parents, sport came up as a possibility, and judo became the choice—slowly, carefully, without demanding instant progress. The early sessions mattered because the coaches understood what Steff needed, especially around contact and confidence.

Over time, judo turned into rhythm and connection. Every Saturday brought consistency in a world that can feel unpredictable, and enthusiasm that didn’t need medals to validate it. Some weeks worked better than others, and that was accepted.

Kortrijk underlined why well-supported initiatives matter. Organisation, visibility, and backing at a higher level help these opportunities grow instead of staying isolated. For the Ryckebusch family, the key “fight” wasn’t against an opponent—it was for comfort, community, and a place on the tatami.

Source: EJU_News