Published: March 11, 2009
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This Fund supports the development of U.S. female judo players by providing direct financial assistance to support travel and training expenses for aspiring female athletes with successful competitive records who have the potential to achieve even higher performance levels and rankings.
About Rusty Kanokogi
The Fund is named in honor of Rena “Rusty” Kanokogi. Kanokogi holds a seventh-degree black belt in judo, making her the highest-ranking American woman in the sport of judo. Kanokogi first started competing in the late 1950s, when women were barred from judo leagues. In disguise, she competed as a member of the all-men’s team until she was discovered and disqualified. Soon after, Kanokogi dedicated herself to ensuring that women are able to compete in judo competitions. For her years of commitment, she received the honor of World Pioneer of Women’s Judo, which was given to her by the International Judo Federation (IJF) Congress in Japan, which has representatives from 103 countries.
In 2007, the USA Judo Referee Commission voted unanimously to award the John Osako Award for excellence in refereeing to Kanokogi. The prestigious John Osako Award is given to those who have worked continuously to develop their referee skills and contribute unselfishly to the Olympic sport of judo.
Currently, Kanokogi is the president of Kyushu Judo & Community Service and the president of New York State Judo Inc. Kanokogi was the NBC sport expert commentator at the 2004 Olympic Games for judo. In 2002, she received a citation from the Brooklyn borough president for her contribution to the Brooklyn fitness program. She also was given the 2002 Woman of Achievement Award by Kingsboro Community College. In 2001, she was presented with the bronze medal by the International Judo Federation.
Kanokogi is a former member of the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees (1996-2001) and the current chair of the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame Alumnae Association. She is featured in the Women’s Sports Foundation book, “SuperWomen: 100 Women 100 Sports.” She was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and received the 1991 Women’s Sports Foundation President’s Award.
Areas of Support
Assistance is considered for coaching, specialized training, equipment, athletic clothing and/or travel.
Eligible Candidates
U.S. female judo players in training for national and international competition.
Criteria
Applications are evaluated and grants are awarded according to the following criteria:
1. Financial need
2. Present and potential level and ranking
3. Lack of support from traditional sources
4. Role of award in continued participation and advancement
5. Potential impact of grant on advancing women in sports
6. Contribution to greater visibility of female athletes
Priority will be given to those who present a plan for reimbursing the grant in the future, whether financially or by otherwise contributing to women’s sports.
Amount of Grant
The Fund is administered by the Women’s Sports Foundation. In the first year, $5,000 of the initial donation will be set aside for grants and administration. In subsequent years the amount available for grants shall depend on the interest and gains on the permanently restricted portion of the fund as well as any additional donations that are restricted to the purposes of the Fund.
Application Process
The application deadline is September 30. The Grant(s) is awarded November 30.
Selection
Nominations
Members of the Fund nominations committee are annually selected by Rusty Kanokogi and Richard Ader. In the event that Rusty Kanokogi, Richard Ader or their designated representative(s) are unable to select the nominations committee members, the Women’s Sports Foundation will select a panel of experts in girls’ and women’s judo to serve as members of the Fund nominations committee. The Fund nominations committee selects the finalists for grant(s).
Grantees
Grantees are selected from amongst the finalists by Rusty Kanokogi, Richard Ader and any representatives designated by them. In the event that Rusty Kanokogi, Richard Ader or their designated representative(s) are unable to select the grantees, the Women’s Sports Foundation will select a panel of experts in girls’ and women’s judo to make the final decision.
Learn More About The Grant
Read The Press Statement