A local kickboxing world champion is to be celebrated in Waterford this afternoon.
Fourteen-year-old Maya Quinn is being given a Mayoral Reception for her continued support of kickboxing in Waterford.
She recently competed at the WAKO Junior World Championships in Italy, placing 1st in one of her disciplines.
Her coach Pat Evans, from Rank 1 Kickboxing Club in the city, says Maya is hugely committed.
"Maya is 14 and lives in New Ross but travels down to us at least four times a week," he told WLR, "She herself obviously trains, but she also gives up her time to help bring on the younger kids in the various styles of martial arts that she trains in.
"She is very dedicated to her sport and gives up a lot of her time towards it."
That dedication is certainly paying dividends for Maya in terms of her progression and recognition in what Pat says can be a difficult sport to be recognised for:
"Well, it's a minority sport. Even though there are quite a few very good kickboxing, karate, and martial arts schools and clubs in Waterford, it's still a minority sport.
"To have someone like Maya, who puts in her time and then has to get the financial backing behind her, it's a huge step and a huge ask of people for her."
Today's Mayoral Reception in Maya's honour will be held by Mayor of Waterford City and County, John O'Leary in the Mayor's Parlour, City Hall, at 3pm.
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