Teens up for WA awards

Two Hedland teens, both black belts at the Hedland Taekwondo Club, are among 16 inspiring finalists in this year’s WA Youth Awards.

Teodulo Tuando and Torekana Bule-Turner were nominated by the local taekwondo club and head instructor Tim Turner because of their volunteer efforts and achievements.

Thirteen-year-old Teodulo Tuando is a finalist for the Commissioner for Children and Young People participate award. He volunteers up to six hours a week to support and facilitate at the club.

Teoludo enthusiastically teaches up to 100 members of all ages, provides vital support for members with disabilities, and says he strives to have the discipline to allow him to balance school, taekwondo and his volunteer endeavours.

“For my future I just want to continue helping people,” he said.

“My main goal in life is to make sure that everyone is happy and that everyone learns how to have fun.”

Sixteen-year-old Torekana has been nominated for the cultural endeavours award for being an inspiring and motivating role model for the young people within the community through dance and martial arts.

He was recognised in the WA Youth Awards four years ago, winning the CCYPP award for teaching break dance as a diversionary program.

The teen also represented Australia at the World Championships in Peru for the taekwondo and dance blend called Poomsae and now teaches break dance, runs workshops and other events with the Youth Involvement Council in Port Hedland. Torekana attributed his skills and accomplishments to his family’s support.

“I’m so grateful for the support my family gives me to pursue my dreams,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today, or be where I am today, if it wasn’t for them.”

The boys will fly to Perth with their taekwondo club at the end of November and find out if they are winners in their categories and potentially be named WA young person of the year.