Local Sports Star nominee Melissa crowned NSW champion
MELISSA Sullivan, 16, is enjoying another stellar season in martial arts with the crowning glory being the NSW title in kumite.
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MELISSA Sullivan, 16, is enjoying another stellar season in martial arts with the crowning glory being the NSW title in kumite.
The Beaumont Hills competitor also had success overseas, taking bronze at the Pacific Cup in New Caledonia in May, setting herself up nicely for the Hawaiian Internationals in November.
She is this week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Awards and has made the most of training with Australian development camps.
“My biggest achievement this year is winning gold at the NSW Championships in kumite in under 59kg and Opens (all weight categories) and silver in junior kata,” Melissa said.
“I am going to Japan to train with Hasegawa Sensei which will be a marvellous experience. I am also looking at competing at the Hawaiian International.”
Melissa’s impressive resume includes bronze in senior kata and silver in junior kumite at the 2017 Melbourne Open; silver in senior kata and bronze in junior kumite at the Sydney All Styles; and a junior kumite silver at the schools championships.
The Year 11 William Clarke College student also loves to impart her knowledge to youngsters at Seven Hills and Kellyville dojos.
Melissa travels to Victoria for seminars and extra training.
“I love the interaction with the future of Australian karate kids and would love to open my own shito-ryu dojo in the future,” she said.
“I am looking at a career in the Defence Forces (RAAF) on completion of my HSC.”
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au
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