GYSLT Supports Young Muay Thai Athlete Millie Lopes Guimaraes Ahead of International Competition in Italy
Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust (GYSLT) is delighted to support young Muay Thai athlete Millie Lopes Guimaraes as she prepares to compete at the WBC Muay Thai Festival in Italy, representing both her club, Union Thai in Gorleston, and the Great Yarmouth area on an international stage.
Image courtesy of Millie Lopes Guimaraes https://www.instagram.com/millie_lopes/
EARLY PROSPECTS
At just 13 years old, Millie is already showing the dedication and focus that define grassroots sporting talent progressing through local sport pathways in Norfolk. Training with Union Thai – a thriving club with over 60 members – she has developed into a committed and disciplined athlete, now stepping into one of the most significant competitions of her journey so far.
AN IMPORTANT YEAR
This year marks an important milestone, as Millie competes under full Muay Thai rules for the first time, including head contact, and only her second international outing. It is a major step forward in her development and a valuable opportunity to gain experience at world level competition.
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Thailand. Often called "The Art of Eight Limbs", it uses punches, kicks, elbows and knees, allowing fighters to strike with eight points of contact.
FUNDING MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The GYSLT community sports grant will help fund essential competition equipment, ensuring Millie can compete safely and confidently. The award contributes towards the cost of her full Muay Thai uniform and protective kit, including gloves, head guard, shin guards, groin guard, shorts and team kit.
WHAT’S NEXT
Beyond the competition itself, Millie’s ambition is clear. She hopes to become WBC World Champion and, just as importantly, inspire other young people in Great Yarmouth to take up Muay Thai or explore grassroots sport more broadly.
Her journey reflects what local sport and youth sports funding in Norfolk is all about: creating opportunities, supporting talent pathways, and helping young people build confidence, resilience and ambition through sport.
GYSLT is proud to play a small part in Millie’s journey and wishes her every success as she represents her club and community in Italy.
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You can follow Millie on her journey, on her @Millie_Lopez Instagram page.
If you would like to find out more, you can check out Union Thai on Instagram on the Union Thai Facebook page
Could a GYSLT Grant Help You?
Alfie’s journey shows what’s possible when determination meets community support. We offer grants of up to £500 to individuals, clubs and organisations across Great Yarmouth. Funding can be used for:
Equipment purchases
Club development
Youth development initiatives
Supporting individual athletes
Grants are awarded four times a year and require 30% match funding.
If you are an athlete chasing your next goal, a club looking to grow, or an organisation supporting community activity, we encourage you to apply.
Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >
