Consistently one of the top three winners in Saskatchewan judo tournaments during the past year, Len Partridge of Moose Jaw has landed a spot on the Saskatchewan judo team which will represent the province in the Canadian finals to be held May 23 in Winnipeg.

Partridge said about 15 people, all in different weight categories, are chosen to be on the provincial team. Selection is based on past performances at judo tournaments during the year.

He said final decisions on selections are made in February.

The chosen members come from throughout Saskatchewan, he said. There is one member selected for each weight category with alternates as well in the heavier weights, he said.

Partridge fits into the category of less than 209 pounds, brown or black belt. He carries a black belt, he said. His alternate is Merv Pointer of Wadena.

Partridge isn't a new face on the Saskatchewan judo team. He has been on the team for the last four years, he said.

However, his performance in the Canadian championships has not been all the good, he said.

He said because of the larger population of Ontario which usually places first in the competitions, the best from that province are usually the nation's best because Ontario has more people to draw from.

He said the Ontario goverment also provides more money for grants and facilities than do some other provinces.

Appeared in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald April 16, 1981