Judo Grand Prix Kicks Off in Havana -- Monday Memo

(ATR)The World Judo Tour opens for the first time in Cuba this week as the International Judo Federation kicks off the second edition of the Havana Grand Prix on Jan. 21.

The first edition of the Havana Grand Prix in 2014 doubled as the first qualifier for the Rio Olympics.

Competition this week in Havana marks one of the final steps for athletes on the road to Rio 2016.

The 2016 Havana Grand Prix ends on Jan. 24.Around the RingsEditor Ed Hula will be on the scene in Havana to cover competition.

Paralympic powerlifting test event

Athletes will compete in the powerlifting test event for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Jan. 21-23.

Competition will take place at the Arena Carioca 1 in Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Park.

The 2015 Aquece Rio International will host teams from several countries in preparation for the Games.

SportAccord Convention site visit

Olympic movers and shakers will travel to Lausanne Jan. 19 to check up on the site of the 2016 SportAccord Convention.

The Olympic capital is hosting the 2016 event April 17-22.

ATRdirector of business development Ed Hula III will be in Lausanne this week as one of a select group of site visit attendees.

The deadline for cities to express interest in bidding to host the 2017 or 2018 conventions is Jan. 28.

Written byNicole Bennett

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