By Ron Lane
From Cooroy to Mackay is a long way to drive to take part in a boxing tournament. However for six members plus coach and support group of the Cooroy Impact Boxing Academy– it was definitely worth it.
The occasion was the North Queensland Games and the boxing tournament was just one of the many sports that were contested over the two day duration. “This was the first time in twenty years,” said Coach Mark Evans, “that our sport came under the auspices of Boxing Queensland; and it was a great event well organized and well run.”
At the completion the results for the Impact team were to say the least impressive. With a team of six fighters they came home with a total of 10 gold medals. The four extra medals came about as a result of four fighters going up a division on the second day thus giving them two fights instead of one.
“The opportunity was there for the extra fight in the higher division and with it all being strictly supervised the chance to gain that extra experience was good– and the four wins made it even better. With teams from Victoria, West Australia and the Northern Territory in the draw the standard of boxing was good.” said Coach Evans.The Games which covered 30 sports and catered for an approximately 3,900 competitors are for some reason relatively unheralded in southern regions.
For our local team a highlight was the performance of 13 yr. old Paige Robinson. This young lady now has a total of 5 fights for 5 wins. Contesting her first bout in the 40kg division she scored an impressive win then moved up a division to fight at 42kg and again got the nod from the judges.
Next week along with her coach she flies to Perth for an Interstate clash in the 44kg division against the reigning state champion. State officials are now starting to take note of this young fighter; but like all talented athletes the road to success has not been easy. “Not only does train in the gym ten times a week but she also finds the time to fit in a game of touch football. I tell you this kid is all go,” said her coach.
With a total of some 30 juniors training at the Impact Academy each night, plus seniors, the cost of transportation and accommodation for tournaments is becoming an increasing problem. “With this in mind we are starting to look at a fund raising drive with the end goal being the possible purchase of a twelve seater bus; a massive step for us, but something that we have to consider. There are two avenues for us to explore a fund drive and/or a sponsorship deal,”said Coach Evans.
With an increasing number of Impact Academy fighters not only making state and national teams but also fighting on the International level (Ireland, Poland, India and the Bahamas) and coming home with medals, the possibility of a major sponsorship for such a successful club should be considered.
