Helen Bienert and the Importance of Giving Back

Montréal, March 26, 2026 – With more than three decades of involvement in the world of judo, Helen Bienert has earned her stripes as a volunteer, and she has become a pillar of the sport in Alberta.

“What tasks do you perform during competitions?”

“Oh my goodness, . . .”

And thus was introduced a lengthy list of responsibilities, as Bienert has played a key role in numerous competitions since the 1990s. Most recently, she has been in charge of registrations, results, accommodations, meals for volunteers, and more.

“We wear many hats!” she said, laughing. “We run on adrenaline, but we always keep in mind that Sunday evening will eventually roll around.”

Bienert discovered judo as an adolescent in the 1970s. As she describes it, apart from baseball and hockey, there were few other sports to choose from in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, where she grew up. So she took up judo and trained for about two years.

About twenty years later, she rediscovered the sport when her three children, then aged 5, 7, and 9, began practising judo in Fort Saskatchewan. Initially, the plan was to reduce the time she spent driving to and from dance and taekwondo classes, which took place on different days of the week. However, what started out as a way to simply save time led to something much bigger: a passion that has never faded.

Since then, Bienert has never strayed far from judo—and neither has the rest of her family. Her two daughters hold black belts and her son holds a blue belt.

“When my kids started competing, it meant that I attended all the tournaments, and I’m someone who likes to get involved. Right from the start, it felt special. It allowed me to revisit an environment that was already familiar to me. The sensei was in my high school graduating class. It’s a small town. Everyone knows each other!”

Over the years, Bienert has witnessed the evolution of the sport, and of sports technologies. She has also had the opportunity to meet Canadians from coast to coast—people from a wide variety of backgrounds who all share a love of judo. Her expertise in organizing family sports events eventually led her to organize a number of tournaments. Overcoming challenges, dealing with unforeseen circumstances, and coordinating entire teams are tasks that have become second nature to her.

Her involvement has grown naturally over the years, and she is always willing to jump in and lend a hand, not only during competitions, but also on the boards and committees of the sports federations.

“I grew up in a family of volunteers. When you find something you love, it’s not hard to give back,” explained Bienert, who was awarded Judo Canada’s Shiai Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.

Three years ago, the Canadian federation also presented her with an honorary black belt, in recognition of all she has done for the judo community.

“Behind every successful competition, behind every child’s smile on the tatamis, there are volunteers like Helen Bienert,” said Judo Canada CEO Nicolas Gill. “Her dedication and her energy epitomize the spirit of judo in Canada. That human aspect is essential, as it not only keeps our sport alive, but more importantly, it provides young people across the country with opportunities to grow, gain confidence, and build values for life.”

For Bienert, volunteering at events is about more than just the judokas, their parents, and their coaches. The impact of volunteers reaches far beyond that and, ultimately, benefits the entire community.

“Year after year, connections are formed and friendships are built. Some of today’s coaches were young athletes I got to know back when they competed against my kids. There’s something special about seeing everyone grow up and develop this camaraderie,” noted Bienert.

“I’d like people to really understand what children gain from the sport. Getting involved with the clubs benefits everyone. In life, you can’t just receive; you also have to give back. If it weren’t for the volunteers, many clubs wouldn’t exist and many events would never have taken place. It’s important to give back,” she concluded with a smile in her voice.

Your turn — step on the tatami.

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Written by Sportcom for Judo Canada

For more information:

Patrick Esparbès

Chief Operating Officer

Judo Canada

(514) 668-6279

p.esparbes@judocanada.org