JSS nominees Taya Taekwondo in golden haul at Australian National Taekwondo Championships
THE junior team from Taya Taekwondo have a golden hue about them after an all-conquering performance at the 2016 Australian National taekwondo Championships in Bendigo, Victoria.
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THE junior team from Taya Taekwondo have a golden hue about them after an all-conquering performance at the 2016 Australian National taekwondo Championships in Bendigo, Victoria.
Sisters Ysabella and Sofia Querubin, Aaditya Kadam and siblings Connor and Kiara Fleming picked up golds in their different categories, after winning against the best across Australia.
The Quakers Hill-based Taya taekwondo are this week’s nominees for the Junior Sports Star Team Spirit Award — sponsored by SportsTG — for their outstanding achievement.
Founder and coach of Taya taekwondo, Natalia Sangalang, said the young blue belter have much to be proud of, specially Ysabella, Sophia and Aaditya who took to the sport only a year ago.
“The three of them joined us last year with no taekwondo background but have shown great potential and natural talent,” Sangalang said.
“They have adapted to the sport, accelerated their learning process and continue to develop their skills in such a short time.
“The team were inspired when they met the Australian taekwondo Olympic team led by triple Olympian Carmen Marton, dual Olympian Safwan Khalil, Caroline Marton and Hayder Shkara at a tournament.”
The five youngsters have shown tremendous form this year, winning their divisions at the several events, including the Australian Sport and Martial Arts championships and Gold Coast Open.
The squad is coached by Natalia and Edwin Sapalang, along with their daughter, Abby, who won the 2014 Junior Sports Star Award.
Abby has represented Australia at the World Junior taekwondo Championships in addition to the US Open and Canada Open.
“Abby shares a lot of her experience and insights as an elite taekwondo athlete as she continues to train with the Australian Olympic team,” said Natalia, a board member of Sports Taekwondo NSW.
“Our young team is very much inspired by Abby and are training very hard to follow in her footsteps.
“The team is aiming to get their black belts next year and have set their goals towards Australian national team Selections in cadets and juniors over the next two-three years.”
Taya Taekwondo, which has been operating since 2011, hold classes at the Quakers Hill East Public School Acacia Gardens during the week.
Natalia herself has an impressive record in the sport, being a member of the Philippine taekwondo team during a 30-career and help coach the Australian team for 2014 Oceania Championships and US Open from 2013-2015.
■To nominate for the JSS awards, visit www.juniorsportsstar.com.au
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