Six Melton Sporting organisations have received a funding boost through the state government’s Sporting Club Grant program.
The program provides grants of $1000 to $5000 to grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.
United ITF Taekwondo Australia Inc received $2000 from the funding pool, which president and 8th Dan Black Belt Master Instructor Michael Muleta said will go towards an ITF Umpire course for Black Belts, Instructors and volunteer members as well as a self defence workshop in Melton.
“It is always nice to get a little assistance, as it increases the opportunities for those to participate where they may otherwise be restricted financially, particularly in today’s economic environment,” he said.
“[The umpire course will make us] able to increase our organisation’s pool of internationally accredited and skilled referees and judges for all championships moving forwards.”
Mr Muleta has a 35 year history teaching Taekwondo in Melton, beginning with Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do, which he opened in 1990. It grew into the core of the United ITF Taekwondo Australia Inc, which is the National Organization representing the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and consists of schools across Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Muleta said there is a huge few months coming up for the organisation including the umpire course, the self defence masterclass, the 4th Global Open Taekwon-Do Championships the 6th ITF Hall of Fame ceremony, and a donation drive for Taekwondo uniforms that will be delivered to students in Nepal.
“We invite and encourage all the local schools, even those aligned with other Federations, to get involved in these unique and exciting opportunities,” he said.
Other recipients of the Sporting Club Grants include Melton Padres Softball Club, Melton Stars,
Spartans Basketball Club, and the Melton Rugby Union Club.
