At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, and before an attendance of some 100 club members, two young ladies definitely made their mark. This they did by being elected on to the clubs Board of Directors for a forthcoming two-year-term. The ladies and their Directorship were: Melisa Pinchbeck Deputy President and Andrea Baker Director of the JAC (Junior Activities Committee).
This would have to be the first time that two women were elected to the club Board of Directors in its 97-year history. Being the first ladies to ever stand for these positions, they were understandably, a bit apprehensive. However, there was no need as the response by the voting members to the final count was incredible. It left no doubt that the first ever appointment of two ladies, was not only accepted but also loudly celebrated. We wish them every success in the years ahead.
The Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club has definitely started off in a happy mood. Good news is that Head Coach Wes Burg and assistant coach wife Jay have received a three year-extension to their contract as club coaches. This really comes as no surprise as their training programs have been an outstanding success: definitely amongst the finest in Australia
From the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving club, there comes more good news. Alyce Wood, (member of Maroochy Surf Club) and daughter of Michelle Burnett, Sunshine’s Lifesaving Club Manager, will be representing Australia in the sprint kayaking event at the Paris Olympic Games. We wish the proud mum and daughter all the very best.
Other important news from the Sunshine Beach Club. It comes nice and early so you won’t miss out. The sign on days for the Sunshine Beach Nippers Club will be as follows: August 25 ,9am till 12pm at the NAC and August 31, I-3pm also at the NAC. Following last seasons outstanding success there has been an expansion in the U14 program with members coming up from the U13s.As a result of their past season an increase in the general membership is sure to be on the cards.
Sporting World
Boxing
Recently four members of our Impact Boxing club travelled out to Ipswich for the Regional Titles. This tournament saw around 60 bouts on the program with fighters travelling from all over the state. First into the ring for Impact Boxing we had Theo Rive who went on to win the 57kg division and he was followed by Luke Austin who went on to win the 71kg division. This win was followed by Slade Gray who took out the 48 kg division. Then to make it a clean sweep for the Impact club Nicole Kostovski took out the title for the63kg division. “Four wins from four bouts saw all boxers performing exceptionally well, with all team members up against top opponents,” said Coach Mark Evans.
On arriving home, the team had to regroup for another week of preparation and then it was off to Perth for the Australian Titles. For this Impact was represented by Clara Storch 60kg, Slade Gray 48kg and Tiana Rew 63 kg. “Once again, we made it a clean sweep for Team Impact,” said Evans, “winning three from three in the Australian Titles. The three girls were a part of a 40 member Queensland team we took to Perth.’’
The overall team results were outstanding. From a team of 40 they returned home with 26 gold medals and 9 silver. Definitely, the most successful tournament for a Queensland team. As head coach of the team, I was extremely proud not only for my own athletes but the way that every member of the team performed. It is very reassuring sign for us as coachers, that back home, we are definitely doing the right thing: the development that we are putting into our athletes and coaches was rewarded by our medal tally.” Coach Evans.
Now home, Team Impact will prepare for a trip to Singapore and following this a trip to New Zealand. “To say that at the moment the gym is really buzzing is an understatement. All athlete’s, are working hard striving towards their goals. As a coach,” said Mark Evans, “I could not be prouder than I am right now.’’
Weightlifting.
The Oceanic International Invitation in Melbourne Australia concluded performance and exciting announcements that left the weightlifting community buzzing. This two-part event was not only a showcase of the sport at its highest level but also a moment of celebration and recognition for athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris.
The athletes honoured in this ceremony were Eileen Catamaran, Kyle Bruce and Jacquelin Nichele. These athletes have demonstrated their exceptional skills and dedication, earning their place on the Olympic stage. We of the fast-growing weightlifting community in Noosa, extend our best wishers for those chosen to ware the Green and Gold of our country in Paris.
The second part of the event bought together the best weightlifters from the Oceanic region. This invitational featured only the top competitors from their respective weight categories. One of the standout moments of the weekend was the final session which included some of the Commonwealth and Oceanic champions, as well as current Olympians. Amongst these elite athletes was Taj Marsh of Noosa, who competed in this highly anticipated final session.
This young man expressed his excitement and gratitude for being part of such a prestigious event saying, ‘’ It was the most exciting event I have ever been a part of with many of the athletes being the guys I’ve looked up to since breaking into the international scene.” Taj’s performance on the platform was nothing short of spectacular. He achieved a personal best in both the snatch and the clean and jerk.
The snatch saw Taj lift 142kg, which was a 6 kg improvement on his previous personal best. The clean and jerk saw him lift 174kg, surpassing his best by 3kg. Overall, Taj achieved a total personal best of 10kg in the competition, a significant milestone in his weightlifting career. Taj’s impressive lifts caught the attention of many Australian selectors and coaches. His progress and potential were evident and there is a strong interest in providing him with more opportunities in the future.
Support and encouragement from the Australian Weightlifting Federation and the Oceanic weightlifting organisations, have been instrumental in Taj’s development as an athletic. The event would have not been possible without the efforts of the AWF and Oceanic weightlifting associations, and therefore acknowledgements of their efforts should be so noted. To provide opportunities for our up- and- coming athletes like Taj Marsh is to be highly commended.
As Taj continues to train and compete, his performance at this event will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. The weightlifting community eagerly anticipates his future endeavours and achievements. The spirit of weightlifting continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication and passion of these exceptional athletes.
Martial Arts
From the 13-14 July 2024 the Australian Federation Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Queensland Championships were held. The titles which were attended by 1513 competitors and 60 teams joining, the event was held at 296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara. Representing our local CAZA BJJ CLUB was a team of 23 competitors.
In what must have been one of the clubs best performances the Caza team came home with a total of 24 medals: 13 gold medals, 4 silver and 7 bronze. Regarding ranking in the Juniors Caza was placed 7th, 14 competitors 13 with medals, 9 Gold. In Male No-Gi Ranking again placed 7th 7 competitors 4 gold and in Male Gi Ranking placed 9th 5 competitors, 3 gold.
Head Coach Professor Yoshi Hasegawa was indeed very happy with the results. ‘’These were great results for such a small number of competitors: other teams had much larger numbers participating.” Next week we talk with Professor Hasegawa regarding the performance and future of members coming up through the ranks.
Once again, we receive outstanding results from various sports, in which coaches and athletes from our community, are involved, at both State and National level. Just to name a few : Woogie Marsh weightlifting coach, Mark Evans amateur boxing coach and Professor Yoshi Hasegawa Jiu-Jitsu coach. Their success with their athletes has been outstanding
