Factor10 is very proud of its two Moreton Bay Regional Council Australia Day Award Nominees, Damien O`Flaherty nominated for Sports Person of the Year and Maddy Houston nominated for Young Sports Person of the Year.
Damien O`Flaherty is not only an outstanding sporting coach who has the ability to turn his martial arts students in to champions, he is also an active leader in teaching children and teenagers how to make the right decision.
Damien is the owner of Factor 10 Martial Arts based at Strathpine. He believes that the community has an obligation to keeping our young people safe and has been running free seminars in the areas of child protection, anti-bullying strategies for children and parents. He puts these seminars out to the community without expecting any financial return.
Damien believes in giving back and he is teaching his students to do the same. He gives so much of his own time to work with developing young sports people. He is teaching them that it is not just fitness and technique but a holistic approach including looking after yourself through diet and nutrition, stress relief building confidence and self-esteem. He is teaching young people how to be a contributing member of society. Damien is a 50+ year old man, and is an inspiration to many students, he is still competing and a winner countless medals, he is out there proving that good health and fitness is possible regardless of age.
The Sports Person of the Year award in not just for being an active sports person but also for community support. During 2013 Damien gave an 8 year old Petrie State School Student a 12month fully funded scholarship worth $2 400. He ran free Martial Arts Programs for school age children over each school holidays, when Damien found out one of the participants was a 12 year old Foster Child who just loved the free program he gave the boy 3 months free membership complete with uniform and safety gear and all associated cost. He organised a press release and a substantial donation for a local lady who is took part in the Walk for Women’s Health Weekend walk. Damien O`Flaherty does so much for the community without asking for recognition or acknowledgement, he was a very deserving nominee of this award.
Maddy Houston, a long time student and Instructor at Factor10 and nominee for Young Sports Person of the Year decided to take an active role in the Matthew Stanley Foundation, Damien not only put his own support behind the Foundation but put his club behind it as well.
Maddy started her introduction into the world of sport by training in Taekwondo from the age of 6 and now has over 80 medals under her belt, including national champion status. Maddy is now involved and committed to doing the public circuit in schools inspiring young people to make smart decisions.
Maddy always displays personal integrity and belief in being a mentor to young kids she has a passion for her volunteer work with the Matthew Stanley Foundation and as a result Maddy has become a huge inspiration to children and adults alike.
Here in Brisbane we have many parents who are grateful that Damien and Maddy are part of helping their kids grow up and see the opportunities and possibilities of taking the path through exercise and Martial Arts.
For more information please contact Damien O`Flaherty on 0433 428 858
