New leaders to steer club

North West Muay Thai has started the year fresh with new leadership.

The not-for-profit association — focused on fitness and founded in 2012 — passed over leadership at the start of the year, with new club president Jarrod Goyen and secretary and treasurer Michelle Bingham now at the helm.

Goyen said staff would aim to do former organisers Adam Bierl and Tennille Rice proud by running the club in the same way and focusing on the community.

“We have recently started up our kids’ classes again,” he said.

“After we attended the have-a-try night a few weeks ago, we realised that the future of the club really relies on getting young kids involved.

“Also, spreading the message of both fitness and what Thai boxing can bring to anyone’s lifestyle — make a positive change no matter of age, gender, fitness, race, or past. We want to be a place that anybody can come and join in and really become a part of something that brings people together — as well as teaching something that will build confidence and humility.”

Members competed in front of about 50 people at the UNiT 2 Boxing exhibition night on March 23 at the JD Hardie Centre in South Hedland to demonstrate a few rounds of the sport.

Hedland youngsters were also given the opportunity to try out the sport at the annual Have a Try night, hosted by the Town of Port Hedland and supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries on March 9. “In order to keep the club afloat, we decided to run it as a not-for-profit association and really give the Port Hedland community the opportunity to keep this sport running,” Goyen said.

Members train at Jim Caffey Memorial Hall, Port Hedland, at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays for adults, with children’s Muay Thai starting from 5pm.