The Warrnambool City Council is proud to be in the corner of local boxer Malakye Folima, who will represent Australia in the World Youth Boxing Championships.
The event will be held in Pueblo, Colorado in the United States from October 25.
Malakye successfully applied for a $700 grant to help cover some of his expenses via Council’s Individual and Group Assistance Fund.
The fund provides grants for local athletes and teams competing in national and international events.
Malakye, who will be competing in the 80kg division, said that he wouldn’t know who his opponents were, or how many there might be, until he arrived in America.
“I’ll most likely be one of the youngest in there,” the 17-year-old said.
“I could be fighting three times in four days, four times in four days, two times in four days, I won’t know until I go over there, so I’ll make sure I’m prepared for it.
“It’s a massive opportunity and I’m keen to go over there.
“My family is one of the most important things, they’ve just pushed me all the time, they’re always pushing me and I’m very grateful to have them behind me.
“Thank you very much (Warrnambool City Council) for making this trip possible and getting me over there.”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain congratulated Malakye on his hard work and wished him the best for the Championships.
“To be able to support him on his journey is really great and it’s great to be able to be a part of it, and I really look forward to seeing how Malakye does and I’m sure he will do everyone proud,” he said.
“It’s really exciting to see Malakye not just showing Australia to the world, but Warrnambool to the world.
“Warrnambool is punching well above its weight and it’s really great.
“We’ve had Tayla Relph (motorbike rider), Ellie Johnson (kayaker) and now Malakye, and I think it’s really good to get it out there that these grants are available.
“If you are excelling and you are working hard, we want to be able to support you to be able to chase your dreams.”
Applications for Council’s are open year round.
