French judo legend Teddy Riner has returned to Egypt's North Coast to participate in the second edition of the Judo on the Beach programme, part of the broader Yalla Sahel summer sporting initiative.
Over three days, Riner worked with 350 selected young judoka, offering training sessions and demonstrations on the sand. The programme aims to take judo beyond the traditional dojo setting and introduce the sport to young people in a relaxed, accessible environment against the backdrop of Egypt's Mediterranean coastline.
Egypt's North Coast is a popular summer destination, and the Yalla Sahel initiative uses the holiday season to bring sport directly to families and young people. Judo on the Beach combines physical activity with judo's core values of respect, discipline and mutual welfare.
Riner, a multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medallist, is one of the most recognisable figures in international judo. His participation brings global attention to Egypt's youth development efforts and demonstrates how judo organisations can reach new audiences outside conventional training venues.
The programme reflects a growing trend among national and international judo federations to develop grassroots engagement through non-traditional formats, including beach events, school programmes and community outreach.