MuayThai Boxer strikes gold with grant

A Sunshine Coast Council Individual Development Grant has helped young MuayThai boxer William Brown win gold at the MuayThai amateur world games in Malaysia and be crowned world champion for his category.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council was pleased to have been able to support this young champion from Sippy Downs in his world-class sporting pursuits.

“Council provided 11-year- old William with a $500 Individual Development Grant to help fund his participation at the International Federation Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) World Games in Langkawi Malaysia where he represented Australia,” Cr McKay said.

“As well as fighting his way to a gold medal, he also now holds both the Australia and World IFMA title for 38-39kg.

“I am proud we have been able to help this young local with this incredible sporting achievement and I look forward to continuing to follow his progress.”

William’s mother Elise Conquest said receiving this grant was extremely helpful.

“William has been doing MuayThai since a friend at school invited him to join a class when he was six years old,” she said.

“He has spent years training, at times before fights he was training five afternoons per week. Due to William’s height and size he has always fought children a few years older, but still matched weight.

“He has competed in various world championship events including in Koh Samui Thailand and the Australian Amateur MuayThai Championship last year.

“For this most recent competition in May in Malaysia he trained very hard once again and walked away with gold - a very happy boy.

“As any parent knows, there is always a financial obligation attached when supporting children to follow their dreams. This grant helped towards William’s accommodation package while in Malaysia which wasn't cheap.

“I would definitely let other people know of this grant opportunity. It was a fast, no fuss application and well worth applying for.”

Another two Sunshine Coast athletes Melissa Anderson and Hannah Bradicich were also recipients of the Individual Development Grant for the MuayThai amateur world games in Malaysia and came away with silver medals.

Cr McKay said Individual Development Grants were available to residents of any age who were performing, competing or presenting at national or international competitions, conferences or events.

“Individuals must be selected by a recognised national governing body or equivalent and provide a letter of selection.

“Applications can be submitted at any time with assessment every two months, ending February, April, June, August, October and December. You will be notified within two weeks of assessment.

“Activities may start as soon as applications have been submitted.”

Visit Council’s website for further details or to apply.