Kwinana’s Kofukan Karate takes out new club of the year at National Good Sports Awards

A Kwinana sporting club has taken home a top award at the Good Sports Awards for inspiring positive change.

Kofukan Karate Australia Inc. was crowned the 2022 National Good Sports New Club of the Year at the awards night at Parliament House on February 16.

Despite joining the Good Sports Program only in August last year, the karate club was one of several WA-based sporting organisations that were recognised for their commitment to building healthy and family-friendly club environments.

Kofukan Karate chairperson Don McKay said the award demonstrated what the club could achieve with the right commitment.

“Inclusivity is a key value and our message is ‘karate is for everyone’,” he said.

“We’re a welcoming place for all and training helps members to become more confident and engaged. Karate is one of the few sports where parents and their children can train together, often in the same class.

“Parent involvement extends beyond training at our club, with families taking part in end of year wind-ups, beach training, camps, barbecues and other events.”

Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program and works with more than 10,000 community sports clubs, including more than 1000 clubs in WA.

In WA, Good Sports is funded by the Federal and State governments, Healthway and the WA Cricket Association (WACA) and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation WA manager Greg Williams said Good Sports was helping to build a healthier sporting nation.

“Good Sports supports local sporting clubs to identify and reduce potential risks around alcohol and other drugs, as well as other important issues such as mental health and road safety,” he said.

“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club.

“They shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and give winning clubs with the recognition they deserve.”

WA award recipients are:

2022 National Good Sports New Club of the Year Award

• Winner: Kofukan Karate Australia Inc.

2022 National Good Sports Volunteer of the Year Award

• Runner-up: Niccole Cooper from Esperance Hockey Association

2022 WA Good Sports Volunteer of the Year

• Winner: Niccole Cooper from Esperance Hockey Association
• Runner-up: Lisa Huggins from Riverton Calisthenics Club

2022 WA Good Sports Club of the Year

• Winner: Warwick Greenwood Cricket Club
• Runner-up: Collie Underwater Hockey Club