| Sport Desk: |  |
|||
|
||||
Sports Newsround and Competition Commentary |
||||
Story : compiled by Luke Moore, Lee Marine and Image Asia |
||||
|
International stars in Phuket for soccer clinic Liverpool legend Ian Rush, a name sure to be familiar to football fans of all ages and nationalities, arrived in Phuket on the 5th June to host an hour long soccer clinic for sixty lucky 10 -14 year old students from three local schools; Satree Phuket, Phuket Wittyalai and Chaliermprakiet Srinakharin. Liverpool are one of the most popular and well supported clubs throughout Thailand and with Ian on hand to put the students through their paces, the kids could not have possibly wished for a better teacher. The initiative is aimed at providing Thai youngsters with the opportunity to receive quality coaching as well as the chance to meet and learn from their heroes. Phuket and Chiang Mai were added to the itinerary this year following the huge success of the first Tesco Lotus supported soccer clinic held in Bangkok in 2006. The event proved to be immensely popular with the local children, who seemed keen to listen out for that small piece of advice that could yet turn them into the Ian Rush of tomorrow. I asked Ian for his thoughts on the potential of some of the students and any suggestions he had to improve their game; he commented that the overall technical skills on display were probably at a higher level in Thailand than more established footballing countries such as the UK but understanding the importance of teamwork and concentration were the most important lessons the kids could take from the day. When asked about the likelihood of returning to Phuket next year Ian was very positive, saying that he very much enjoys witnessing the effort and enthusiasm shown by the students and that he is looking forward to the possibility of returning next year to carry on the good work. With the excellent support and facilities provided by Tesco Lotus and the fantastic opportunity the session provides to the students, let’s hope this year’s success can be repeated in the future. Rugby 10’s returns to Phuket
The event proved to be a success on and off the field as up to 1,000 people turned up over the 2 days to watch the action, finishing with a closely fought contest as the Emirates Airlines Flying Muppets defeated the Bahrain Lights to win the Clive Williamson Memorial Trophy. The Dubai Hurricanes won the Plate competition, defeating the Devon Cully Cobras, whilst the Coffin Dodgers Competition for the over 35’s was won by the Extinct Volcanoes from The Philippines. Money raised during the weekend, which culminated with a fund raising dinner at the Phuket Orchid Resort on the Sunday evening will be donated to children who are sponsored by the Rhonda Butler orphans scholarship Fund. The fund was established to help children left orphaned as a result of the tsunami, which devastated Phuket and Khao Lak. Fundraising from the event was in partnership with the Asia Center Foundation, a charitable organization based in Phuket, which aims to give assistance to communities in need through educational and healthcare projects that exists to serve the people of Phuket and neighboring provinces through educational and healthcare projects. With over 300,000 baht raised for the fund at the stadium alone and fun had by all involved, competition and interest is bound to be strong for the 10th running in 2008. Koh Samui Regatta Wrap
Boats arrived from Singapore and Hong Kong to ensure the Koh Samui Regatta’s reputation as a truly international event. Meanwhile the various parties around the island, including the VIP gala party in the gardens at Central Samui Resort, helped to maintain the event’s highly sociable image. “In six successful years the Koh Samui Regatta has made incredible progress, and it is easy to see why it has become one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit,” says Pornsiri Manohard, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This year saw the successful introduction of a Firefly 850 Sports One-Design Division into the annual competition. The catamarans became a star attraction providing plenty of action for the spectators to enjoy as Henry Kaye’s Mamba and David Hill’s Voodoo Child battled it out for the top spot. The Koh Samui Regatta is the final race in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix series and is the venue for the Grand Prix awards Ceremony, with Asia’s top racing boats battling it out for this coveted accolade. The 2007 series was so close, that it was not until the final race of the Koh Samui Regatta that Frank Pong’s Jelik, out of Hong Kong, clinched the title for the first time ever, pushing last year’s champion, Neil Pryde’s Hi Fi, into second place. Plenty of Phuket sailing in July July sees the Lee Marine team back on the water in the 2007 Taser World Championships. With the SW Monsoon in full effect over the Andaman Sea, it is time to find the sailing gloves again and get prepared for some terrific sailing and competition. From the 2nd to the 11th July some of the world’s best sailors (the ones not in Valencia anyway) compete in the Tasar World Championships. A two person, light planing dinghy designed by skiff legend Frank Bethwaite, the Tasar has almost 3000 boats sailing around the world and Phuket expects to have a fleet of up to 80 boats on the start lines. The event will be run from the Cape Panwa Resort and all competitors are looking forward to some great tropical sailing. Asia’s fastest growing regatta The Evason Phuket Raceweek 2007, now in its fourth year, will take place on the beautiful waters off Rawai beach, Phuket. With the promise of international-standard yachting and five-star parties, the Regatta will play host to over 40 boats and 300 participants. Evason Phuket Raceweek is the fastest growing regatta in Asia; the vent creates the perfect opportunity to relax, network and entertain.
The lower sea view terrace of the Evason Phuket Resort and Six Senses Spa will operate as the Phuket Raceweek HG. The resort is the sponsoring host venue for the fourth year running, and is set among 64 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. Meanwhile, all the lookout points on the South Eastern side of Phuket Island will provide spectacular vantage points for the action. Evason Phuket Raceweel is held under the auspices of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. Organisers Image Asia Events Co., Ltd. will draw upon their vast experience with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and the Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) to create an event that perfectly showcases the region, and the sport. Image Asia Managing Director Grenville Fordham said: “We are really excited to be organizing the 4th Evason Phuket Raceweek. The 2007 event will undoubtedly be the best event yet. It is rapidly becoming a big draw for spectators and participants alike, so such a prestigious event is very important for the local area and economy.”
|
The 9th international rugby 10’s tournament, sponsored by Raimon Land was recently held at the Municipal stadium in Karon.
The 6th Koh Samui Regatta has concluded after successfully combining a week of top class yachting with unrivalled on-shore entertainment - confirming its position on the sailing calendar.
This year’s Raceweek comprises a four-day regatta covering seven race classes. While the final composition will be determined shortly before the event, likely classes include Racing Sports Boat, IRC, Club, Multihull Performance Cruising, Firefly 850 One-deign and Classic.|
Tropical Living: July 2007, Volume 7 Issue 2 |
|
|
|
|
