In this year’s 2025 Queensland amateur Novice Titles, Cooroys Impact Boxing Club has competed with good results. The importance of this tournament cannot be emphasized enough. For the young athlete just starting their career, it can be a great confidence builder: but most important of all, it is then that a good relationship between coach and athlete comes into being.
Impacts and Boxing Queensland’s Head Coach Mark Evans. “This event has shown once again why Boxing Queensland continues to lead the charge, when it comes to amateur boxing in the state. There were 225 bouts, across the three-day event. It has been a huge credit to everyone, working behind the scenes, making this event what it was- it’s no small feat to run a show of this scale. And once again they delivered: spot on.”
A team of seven boxers represented Team Impact on that weekend: boxing times to walk away with 11 wins. “However, the three defeats were just as valuable. Each loss was a learning moment, a steppingstone, a reminder of how we grow in this sport-not just in victory, but also how we respond to setbacks.”
Medal wins for Team Impact were as followers. Gold medals went to Luke Austin, Theo Rivera, Zayden Johnston and Jackson Davey. A silver medal was won by Tom Peard. “Tom stepped into the ring for an exciting and hard-fought Super Heavyweight clash: he walked away with a silver medal. But most important of all he walked away with our respect and admiration. He fought with courage and gave it everything-a real crowd pleaser and a performance to build on.”
The standout of the tournament was Luke Austin. Luke boxed three times over three days – and won all three: that alone was impressive. It is even more remarkable, considering Luke fought in the two weekends prior to these titles. He is the epitome of a real fighter – fit focused, humble, and always ready to compete, no matter what the challenge.
“Luke, you’ve earned every bit of respect coming your way. We are proud of you. To every boxer who stepped into the ring wearing the Impact badge- you did yourself proud. You fought with heart, you listened, you learned and most importantly- you grew. This is what the journey is all about.
To my assistant coach, Kylie Evans, I shout a massive thank you. Your work over that weekend (and every day before it) made a world of difference to our athletes and me. Also, another big thank you for being in the corner with me.”
Finally, there were all the families and supporters who continued to show up and support the Impact Team. “We appreciate you all: to each and every one of you, our sincere thanks” Coach Mark Evans.
Karate.
A very successful team trip to Japan by members of the Karate Noosa Shotokan Club, to not only train, but also learn something of the culture has been followed up by yet another success. An announcement from head Sensei Bryan Dukas Black Belt 6th Dan, tells us that club member Sophia Innis, while contesting the Australian Open All Styles Karate Championships (sparring) in Sydney, won the Gold Medal in her weight division.
“She dominated her division by beating every opponent convincingly to win the Gold. With contestants from New Zealand and New Caledonia competing, the standard of competition was high. “
Following this, this young lady then went on to compete in the Open Division and against all odds (regarding her small size and light weight) fought bravely through many rounds: qualifying for the final. In this she finished in second place, bringing home the silver medal. Her overall performance means that she is now up for selection in the National Team to compete in the Oceania Championships
Head Sensei Bryan Dukas Black Belt 6th Dan, said, “We are extremely proud of this young girl: she has dedicated her life to karate.” Sophia started her career at age 8 and at 16 she is now a black belt: a grading which she earned in Japan. Congratulations, one and all.
Noosa Outriggers
The Southern Queensland Zone of the Australian Outriggers Marathon Championship has been contested at Mooloolaba: and this year the home club took out the championship. Spokesperson for Noosa Colin Jones, tells us that Mooloolaba was on 511 points in front of Noosa on 264, the Outrigger Canoe Club 3rd on 187 just in front of Brisbane Outrigger Canoe Club on 186.
“Noosa paddlers who did well at the titles were Team Bodo, in the Silver Senior Masters Division winning the18km race; Noosa Golden Masters Women, coming 3rd in their race over the same distance. Our Women’s novice team came second in their division, and Team Rocco finished third in theirs. Special mention to Oscar White, an emerging young paddler who excelled in his age group. It is good to see the youth of this sport starting to make their mark.
Rugby League.
For supporters of the Mighty Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, Saturdays Anzac weekend games will feature, A Grade, Reserve Grade and Open Women’s matchers. All three games are home fixtures and will be played against Maroochydore.
The first game, Open Women’s will kick off at 2.30pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 4.0pm and the main game at 5. 30pm. With no games during Easter weekend, we take the opportunity to share something that is very special in the Rugby League community and that is, the Connect Rugby League Program.
Information just come to hand from club secretary Tim Burger, makes us fully aware of proceedings so far. “This is a fully inclusive sport to promote a feeling of value within everyone, a sense of community to promote inclusion, diversity and connection along with supporting good physical and mental health. It’s because of the incredible heart, dedication and vision of Daniella Lenord, and the amazing participants behind this initiative, that we would truly love to rally our community to support this powerful movement.”
They are also very excited to announce that over the last couple of months, they have been lucky enough to have Rob Brough produce a short film for Connect Rugby League. Rob is very community-minded and understands the need to explore sport at all levels: having been involved in the rugby league for many years. This journey delves into the lives of the players, players who play, not just for victory- but also a feeling of belonging: thus, showing their pride and the pure love of the game.
Their Connect Rugby League Committee, players, families, carers and partnering clubs, Dolphins NRL, Kawana Rugby League, Noosa Pirates, Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League and the Lavender Sky Foundation, are looking forward to presenting the premier Sunday May18th 5.30.pm 2025, at the Strand Cinema Caloundra. (The first show at 4.30pm has already sold out).
“We’d like to see who can join us and watch it on the big screen at the Caloundra Strand Cinemas: thus, showing what collaborative, value-based community support really looks like. Let’s all turn up together: and cheer them on!”
With the results from the Queensland Novice Titles and the karate Australian All Styles Championships, it once again emphasizes the high standard of coaching that is available within our community. This will on occasion produce champions who will go on to achieve national selection for overseas competitions.
However, with the many small clubs that we have in our community this would, for some families, become a major financial problem. Should we now consider establishing a Noosa Sports Federation to address this issue and other related challenges. With one or two premises that could be available for fundraising, it is definitely food for thought.
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