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2009 Sunshine State Games Athletes of
the Year While family competition is constantly growing in Florida's Sunshine State Games, Polk County’s first family of Judo, the Germain family (Brian, Chris, Katie and Kelly) has been a constant in the annual Judo competition since 2000. For their ongoing support and success in the Games, they have been named the 2009 Sunshine State Games Athletes of the Year.
The Germain family was recognized at a Polk County Commission Meeting for their efforts from more than 8,000 athletes competing in 2009 Sunshine State Games competitions including the Summer Games, which were held in Polk County, June 12-14. More than 4,500 amateur athletes participated in the Summer Games in Polk County. Each member of the family played a part in the Sunshine State Games Judo competition in 2009 from start to finish. From recruiting competitors, to venue setup, to technical assistance at the scoring table to competition, and winning matches and medals on the mat, Brian, Chris, Katie and Kelly Germain were invaluable to the success of the Judo event in 2009. “The Germain family has been crucial to the success of the Sunshine State Games Judo in Polk County for the last couple of years,” said Fred Hand, the Sunshine State Games Judo Sport Director and friend of the family. “Each member of the family and the club members from Summerlin Judo, where Brian is an instructor, have helped with the event and making it run successfully.” Brian and his daughters competed in Sunshine State Games judo for the 10th consecutive year in 2009 and he has served as the local Judo chairman since the Games have been held in Polk County. Brian Germain, a fourth degree black belt who has traveled the world competing in judo competitions, is now an international coach and instructor at Summerlin Judo in Lakeland. Germain won a 2009 gold medal in the Master's Division, 100kg weight class in an epic battle and “gripping clinic” with John Fiege, another international judoka, from Jacksonville. Equally competitive in this judo family are Brian’s two daughters, Katie and Kelly. Katie has competed in the Sunshine State Games nine of the last 10 years. In 2000 she won her first Sunshine State Games gold medal in the Junior Division, 6-8 years old, 41-50 lbs. In her Sunshine State Games career she has won six gold medals and three silver medals.
At the 2009 Sunshine State Games, she won the gold medal in the Juvenile Division 54-61kg weight class and was named the Most Outstanding Junior Female Performer of the competition. Following her Sunshine State Games performance, Germain won a bronze medal at the USA Judo Junior Olympic National Championships in late-July at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. "I can definitely say Katie is in the mix as one of the top girls in the country right now," Coach and father, Brian said following the competition. "She has been training very hard and continues to develop and perform well. As she matures, I'll be looking for a lot more out of her."
When not on the judo mat, Katie also competes in Track and Field and Freestyle Wrestling. Kelly Germain, a Sunshine State Games competitor since 2003, won three matches to take the gold medal in the Female Intermediate 2 (Age 11 and 12), 50kg weight class at the 2009 Games. She has won four gold and four silver medals competing in the last seven consecutive Sunshine State Games since. She began competing in 2003 when she was six years old. Rounding out the family awards for 2009 Chris German who won the annual Spirit of Tai Yosheda Award, give to a Technical Official or Referee. During the 2009 Games, Chris provided technical assistance at the head scoring table and made sure individual matches at three different Judo mats at the Lakeland Center. She also provided valulable support for Brian, Katie and Kelly.
Previous Sunshine State Games Athletes of the Year
2008 Tim Gehret, Ultimate, Miami
Lady Superfriends Basketball Team,
Gadsden County
2005 Ryan Milmoe, Weightlifting, Fort Lauderdale (at right) Susan Pfahler, Racquetball, Neptune Beach
2004 Shane Simerly, Judo, Niceville Tyler Wolfe, Karate, Gainesville
2003 Samuel Valentin, Boxing, Plant City Gertrude Zint, Rowing, Edgewater
2002 Anita Perkins, Track & Field, Belle Glade (Summer Games) Larry Parzynski, Canoe/Kayak, Cape Coral (Summer Games) Felecia Gostisbehere, Figure Skating, Margate (Spring Games) Andrew Stroud, Fencing, Safety Harbor (Spring Games)
2001 Alina Syukova, Synchronized Swimming, Longwood (Summer Games) Robert Wimberly, Wrestling, Fort Lauderdale (Summer Games)
Melanie Vega-Borja, Judo, Wellington
(Spring Games) Chad Schiferl, Mountain Bike Racing, Cycling Criterium, St. Petersburg (Spring Games)
2000 Amber Davis, Weightlifting, Chiefland (Summer Games) Alex Forbes, Swimming, Casselberry (Summer Games) Dusty Price, Figure Skating, Coral Springs (Spring Games)
Catherine Leach, Sport Shooting,
Orlando (Spring Games,
pictured at right)
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