<p>One of the few true friends I have in Sweden is Lasse Österlund.</p><p>After I left Sweden there were many changes in Swedish Judo.<br />Lasse began a campaign against the &quot;new order&quot; - he got some support - but at AGM (Årsmöte) after AGM there were no changes.<br />I became disappointed in Lasse. To me it was not real judo style (morally etc.) to continue the crusade.....<br />I still had contact with Lasse, but I felt that a bitterness had taken over his old happy, friendly character.<br />Then - a few weeks ago - he did something!<br />He got up, and he said he would stand against the present leader in Swedish Judo.<br />He would be a candidate for the chairman`s post.</p><p><strong>To me that takes courage and it shows that the real Lasse still lives!</strong></p><p>He has thrown aside the Swedish - sit and complain, gnäll, do nothing just talk attitude, I met so often in Sweden.<br />By taking a stand against the present leadership he has moved back into a top position in my eyes.<br /></p><p><strong>But if any club in Sweden is not happy with the present leadership they MUST get up and support Lasse. They MUST attend the AGM. You cannot rely on others going there and doing the job for you.<br />YOU MUST DO YOUR BIT!  Lasse will not have a chance unless all the grass-roots clubs - who normally stay away from the AGM - turn up and support him!!<br /></strong></p><p>Lasse has always been an unselfish person, who has worked for judo because he loves judo. He has never, as I see it, worked to further himself up a ladder of fame or fortune.  He knows all aspects of judo and knows how to get things back on the road again.........</p><p>I hope that any of you reading this - who are not happy with the present situation in Swedish judo - <strong>go to the the AGM.</strong><br /><strong>Go there and vote for Lasse.</strong>  No &quot;in blanco&quot; fullmakt to others. <strong>Take your own fullmakt and go there and use it.</strong><br />For the first time in Swedish Judo history fill the meeting room with hundreds of grass-roots voters - who really care about the future of their great sport!</p><p>If you don`t pull it off this time - you never will. </p><p><strong> Your future is really and truly in your hands!!</strong></p><p>Come on Sweden, show me that you can stand up and take action.....<br />Douglas</p>

<p><strong>Nu är det upp till er!</strong></p><p><strong>Söndag är snart här!</strong></p><p>Douglas</p>