International instructor visits Noosa

Noosa weightlifters Natlite Marshal and Taj Marsh

Ron Lane

Last week an international renowned karate instructor visited Noosa to conduct an eight- hour training seminar with students from Noosa and surrounding areas. The instructor was Norio Kawasaki sensei from Japan: a graduate from the famous JKA headquarters instructor program.

Kawasaki sensei, was a guest of the Karate Noosa club, run and operated by Bryan Dukas 6th Dan. ‘’We were extremely privileged to have him share his knowledge with us. He taught two sessions on both Saturday and Sunday at the Noosaville State School Hall.” Next week we take a close up look at this International seminar, the third to be held in Noosa

Rugby League

Once again it is time for those green grass warriors of the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, who go in pleasant per-suit of the pill, to gather to the fray. This season, not only will they welcome all members, sponsors and supporters back to the fold, but also a new sponsor, who has now become part of the Noosa family. A big welcome goes out to 4Pines Noosa.

The 4Pines Brewing Co. has come on board as the Premier Sponsor of Pirates Senior Ladies Side for 2024 season, thus showing a major investment into female sport locally: as well as Pirates. Recently Pirates met at the venue with Carlton & United Breweries- Glen Thiele, Head of Craft Beer, to announce the sponsorship with Noosa Pirates.

“The 4Pines community sponsorship allows our venue the unique opportunity to give back and support the local communities, in which we operate, and greaten the connection between our staff, who operate our bars, and the local community. We are delighted to be a part of the Noosa Pirates exciting 2024 campaign: and look forward to celebrating their success this year,” said CUBs Head of Craft Beer Glen Thiele.

In response, Pirates President Liam Alazar said, “We are thrilled to have 4Pines Noosa on board as a Premier Partner for the ladies side, for the season ahead. They have certainly got a great venue in the Junction: and it is great to see them doing good things in the local community. Our ladies playing numbers are really strong, and it is fantastic to see 4Pines backing the growth of female sport locally.”

The fact that new sponsors such as 4Pines Noosa, are willing to step forward and come on board, speaks volumes for the reputation of the club, within our sporting community. Well- done to all involved.

Head coach Michael Duff has given us a good look at the season ahead. ‘’The club just held its inaugural masters rugby league competition on the weekend which was a great success. We also had our women’s and reserve grades first hit outs for the season, hosting Wondai in trial matches.

The reserves had a 10 all draw showing early signs of potential. Our senior men’s numbers have grown to the point where we will have a third- grade side in 2024, with many players competing for spots. This can only raise the standards for the season ahead. Our women’s side won the annual Reef and Beef Cup beating Wondai 30 to 6. Brazilian import Franciny Amaral, known by all as “Bu” took out the player of the match award. This is a new look team in 2024 with five new players making their debuts.

A fantastic crowd was in attendance for the first home games. I expect this will grow with the quality of players we have in 2024. We now move into the Sunshine Coast 9s competition this Saturday at Kawana stadium, where all grades have entered teams. The next trial games will be held at Pirates Park on the 16th March.

A grade and Reserves will host South Toowoomba and third grade plays Mary Valley. The main game for that evening will be our women’s side kicking off Round 1.” All aspects are for a good season ahead.

Weightlifting.

The Noosa Barbell Athletics Shine at Oceanic Weightlifting Championships. In a remarkable display of talent and strength, Noosa Barbell athletes made a lasting impression at the Oceanic Weightlifting Championships, with standout performances that earned them well deserved accolades. A proud Head Coach Woogie Marsh, sums up a great championship.

“The week started with Natlite Marshal competing in the Masters Tri Nations Cup, which was the opening event of the championships. Representing Team Australia, Marshal delivered an outstanding performance that contributed to the team’s domination in the competition. This lady set a new world record in the Masters category for her age and weight class.

She showcased her prowess with a snatch of 60kg and a clean and jerk of 82kg. This cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the weightlifting world. The success continued as Taj Marsh took to the platform in the Junior Men’ M96kgs category, later in the week. With a snatch of 136kg and a remarkable clean and jerk of 170kg, Marsh secured the gold medal with a total of 306kg.

His impressive performance, also earned him the title of having the second biggest total in the open men’s class M96kg class. This has highlighted his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. The achievements of these Noosa Barbell athletes, has not only bought glory to their club, but also showcased Australia’s strength in weightlifting on the international stage.

Their victories in the respective categories further solidify their positions as rising stars in the sport, inspiring a new generation of aspiring weightlifters. As the applause fades and the medals gleam, the legacy of Noosa Barbell athletes at the Oceanic Weightlifting Championships, continues to shine brightly: a testament to their hard work dedication, and unwaning passion for weightlifting.”

With their eyes set on an even greater heights, these remarkable athletes are poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of weightlifting for years to come. Once again athletes of our community who reach the top in a lesser publicised sport, have shown that they are indeed amongst the best in the country.

The efforts, dedication and the sacrifice to achieve these heights, should be acknowledged, not only within the boundaries of our community, but throughout this great country. We salute them all. Athletes, coaches, families and sponsors: coach Woogie Marsh and his whole team.

Between the Flags.

Our fantastic little Noosa Seahorse Nippers, last weekend held their water events, of swimming, board and rescue work, followed by their annual presentation of awards and trophies. Good conditions and a safe small surf, accompanied by their qualified helpers made it a fun day.

Once again, the highlight of the morning for the 38 little seahorses, was meeting and receiving their trophies from Dawn Fraser, AC MBE. For the kids, this is always a big thrill, but for one in particular, over 18 member Luke Rhinebolt, who has met Dawn on several occasions, it was as usual an emotional moment. One that gives this young man something to remember. So many thanks to this great Australian for her continued support, both as Patron of the Seahorse Nippers and a Surf Club member.

This weekend will certainly be a big one for the Seahorse people. Apart from the standard activities, the purpose will be a Joint Program. Clubs in attendance will be Noosa, North Burleigh Dickie Beach and Mooloolaba.

The Joint Program will be the catalyst for communication and discussion for all aspects in lifesaving. Main points for discussion will be, Programs (for future seasons), Accessibility in Patrol Flagged Areas and Pathways into Lifesaving (where people with disabilities can volunteer into surf club life).

As always, with major gatherings such as this, there are always those people behind the scenes who make a generous contribution regarding the financial expenses: such as accommodation and travel, to all visiting clubs. With our organising groups being unpaid volunteers, this sort of gesture is gratefully received: and therefore, a major vote of thanks to Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and the RACV Noosa Resort. Also, on a personal note Ian Glew President of Tewantin Noosa Lions.

Once again, our great partnership with our over the hill clubmates, Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving club: very prominent in all aspects with its involvement. Also, thanks to Councillor Amelia Lorentson who has just chalked up her 10 years as a supporter and clubmate.