Boxing.
It must now – rate as the biggest single day boxing tournament ever. There will be 200 boxers competing in 100 bouts across two rings, from 10am to 8pm this Saturday 22 March at the Noosa District High School Cooroy. Also, proud to relate, that international competitors from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Nauru will be on the program: contesting the Sunshine Coast Regional Championships.
Under the control of Cooroy’s Impact Boxing Club head coach, Mark Evans, (and support team), this event, has surely made history for country amateur boxing. “What began as a small 20 bout fight card, has grown into this record-breaking event- an achievement that highlights the growth of our sport and our community.”
Another fact, is that all goods purchased to enable the successful running of this record-breaking event, come from local business houses: something that coach Mark Evans has insisted on since these tournaments began. “I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to everyone for their ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, for an unforgettable day of boxing.”
Before returning to work to commence the final touches required for the tournament, coach Evans had attended an intensive week-long training camp, in the AIS Canberra for our high-performance athletes: and this was just two weeks, after earning his Gold Coaching Accreditation.
The purpose of the camp was to prepare the team heading to America in mid-April, (with Mark Evans as their head coach) and focusing on key aspects: strength, conditioning, and both anaerobic and aerobic testing. As a result of this, the athletics emerged in top form, ready for the challengers that lay ahead.
Surf Life Saving.
Happy to relate that our local Sunshine Beach SLSC, when competing at Northcliffe, finally broke through their barrier, to win their very first medal in the most prestigious event of all, (in the mixed division), the Open Taplin Relay. Why the Taplin relay is considered most prestigious, is that it covers all aspects: swim, board and ski. To do this, shows good depth within the surf sports division. This remarkable six-person team, consisted of Electra Outram, Gemma Welch Smith, Freya Wilson, Darcy Lewis, Dylan Wilson and Zale Outram.
“In doing so, Sunshine beat out reining Australian Champions Burleigh Heads and the powerhouse Maroochydore: thus proving that they are a club to watch in this marque event.”
What made this team somewhat unique, was the fact that it consisted of two brother and sisters, in the makeup: Electra and Zale Outram and Freya and Dylan Wilson. Add to this is the fact, that despite being U/17, young Darcy Lewis, put his hand up to compete in an Open Division Final. As we said, a truly unique situation.
Perhaps their most promising aspect is that in at all carnivals leading up to Northcliffe, every member of this team has produced top results against the best in the country: be it the board, swim or ski. Thus, their consistency makes them the team to watch.
“I couldn’t be prouder of all the kids this season. They have all worked incredibly hard and performed with a positive attitude,” said coach Wes Berg. “The growth and learning we have accomplished together as a group, has been the most rewarding part: I will be excited to watch each of them celebrate their hard work at the 2025 Australian Championships.
Our younger competitors are ready to shine with the likes of Niamh Arthur, Claire Cameron and Ava Gooderham, looking to reproduce their medalling races: as well as our U14 surf team Jake Bauer, Oliver Thompson, Zac Heffernan and Lachie Walker. Also, Miller-May Berg, Sunshine Beach Australian Champion short board surfer, will be defending her titles as well.’’
Sunshine heads into the last two weeks, excited for the celebrations ahead: while continuing to grow as members of the surf sports team.”
Pickleball.
Kane Nolan of the Pickleball Club has kept us informed with this flyer from the fastest growing sport in the world: and may it continue to spread. The Noosa Pickleball club,” said Kane Nolan, “outperformed this weekend, in the Sunshine Pickleball Championships. The competition was fierce with local debris and rivalries across the courts. The following Noosa Club members were on the podium at days end.”
(Please note when only one name appears on doubles result, the missing name was not a Noosa Member.)
Stephen Mawn and Barbara Mawn Gold Medal- Mixed Doubles Senior Champions. Stephen Mawn Gold Medal Men’s Doubles Senior Champion, Ross Nisbet Silver Medal, Men’s Doubles Senior Champion, Rosemary Gillett Silver Medal, Women’s Doubles 68+, Barbara Mawn Silver Medal, Women’s Open Doubles Championship. Lynne Nisbet and Ross Nisbet Gold Medal, Mixed Doubles 60+30 and Anita Smith Bronze Medal Mixed Doubles Open Championships. To the club members. Keep up the good work and it will continue to grow and excell.
Noosa Athletics.
Our Noosa athletics have just had a big four days of competition at the Queensland Athletics Championships. This was a leadup to the Australian Championships, which will be held in Perth WA this year from the 4 to 13 April 2025. This was a terrific hit out for team Noosa, as we had athletes competing from U13 through to Opens: with some athletes gaining last minute qualifications onto the Qld team for the Nationals
“I am very proud of all our performances: for such a small club we continue to produce outstanding athletes. Nine of our club members have qualified for Queensland selection,” said Head Coach Mick Hooper.
“Special mention goes out to Melinz who continued his great All Schools form by winning another gold medal in the U16 Hammer throw, and Hervy Zegers, who has, at his first State championships, gained selection onto the Qld team: three bronze medals, in the 100m, 200m sprints and the Long Jump. We wish all the best for all our senior athletes, as they put finishing touches to their preparation for the Nationals.
Now we turn our attention to our Little Athletics squad. They are heading to Brisbane this weekend for the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships: running from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March. This is the pinnacle of their season. Noosa has a team of 31 that have qualified through regional competition, to gain a spot at the championships.”
Noosa Little Athletics will have members competing from U9 through to U16: some for the first time and others on multiple occasions. We wish them all the best, as they compete against Queensland’s top athletes.”
The good results that are constantly coming through from the youth of our track and field, boxing, surf lifesaving and martial art clubs, is something that we, the people of our community can take pride. We at Noosa Today congratulate all involved.
