Phuket to offer internationally accredited swimming scholarship programs
THE SPORTS AUTHORITY of Thailand (SAT) has confirmed it is partnering with Phuketbased Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort to develop and offer an international swimming scholarship program accredited by the World Aquatics Federation.
The official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Thanyapura campus in Thalang on Apr 11 in an official ceremony overseen by SAT Governor Dr Kongsak Yodmanee, who was joined by: Yaowaret Khanpakdee, Chief
Executive Officer of Thanyapura Phuket; Marisa Yenbamrung, Executive Director of Thanyapura Phuket; Norasak Suksomboon, Phuket Vice Governor; Surasak Kerdchantuek, Deputy Governor for Sports Excellence and Sports Science; and Sittichai Chantawat, President of Thepkrasattri Subdistrict Administrative Organisation.
Ms Yenbamrung, explained how Thanyapura Phuket is honoured to be able to offer a program that is endorsed by such a renowned sports organisation as the World Aquatics Federation, which is itself officially certified by the International Olympic Committee.
She added that the Thanyapura campus will offer the perfect facilities to serve as a training centre for international swimmers who receive training scholarships from the World Aquatics-endorsed scholarship program, which will also be certified by the Swimming Association of Thailand and the SAT.
Athletes who receive such training scholarships will have passed strict selection protocols laid down by the World Aquatics Federation committee, which aims to develop athletes to represent their respective countries at worldclass sports events such as the Olympic Games and World Aquatics Championships.
The program also further demonstrates Thailand and Phuket’s reputation as a world leader in the provision of comprehensive sports development training and as a leading example of sports and health tourism for the general public, Ms Yenbamrung added.
Dr Kongsak echoed these sentiments, pointing to the fact the program will further strengthen Thailand and Phuket’s reputation as a leading destination for sports tourism.
He added that the program can help aspiring athletes reach their potential which can then inspire others across the country to follow their sporting dreams.
Dr Kongsak further explained that the swimming scholarship program is also an excellent opportunity for a wide range of organisations from the public and private sectors to collaborate to ensure the outcome is a successful one that can benefit all involved.
The Phuket News