[Bangkok] (September 23, 2019) – The Foundation of Paralympic Committee of Thailand partnered with the Sports Authority of Thailand, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Singha Corporation, Thai Bridgestone, Toyota Motor Thailand, FBT and PTT, to organize the opening of San Fun Hero Plus 2019 project.
The project aims to forge cooperation, improve the sport performances of disabled people, and encourage people with disabilities to chase their dreams and help them to unmask their inner potential. Additionally, participants will have a chance to become national para athletes representing Thailand at international Paralympic events, from which they bring to the country the sense of pride, happiness, and good reputation.
This year, it is the first time for the project to open for all disabled veterans and people with disabilities, of any age and gender, who are seeking to embrace, explore and empower their potential. The Paralympic Committee of Thailand and partners from the private sector are ready to give a generous support to help them achieve their goal. Applications are submitted online via www.sanfunhero.com and www.facebook.com/NPCTHA from June to August this year.
Scheduled for September 20 - 22, 2019, the selection process involves demonstrations of sports performance testing guided and closely advised by coaches from Thailand’s national teams so that the project’s participants can be further equipped with their respective athletic skills, including badminton, shooting, weightlifting, swimming, archery, wheelchair basketball, and so on. Those who are selected will join a training program for the opportunity to become national para athletes and compete in both local and international games.
“The San Fan Hero project has been organised by the Paralympic Committee of Thailand for five consecutive years. This is a result of a combined effort of the government and private sectors under the concept of inviting disabled veterans to compete in sports competitions under the name of San Fan Hero Plus. We make this year’s edition so special because more disabled veterans nationwide have been invited to participate,” explained Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, chairman of the Foundation of Paralympic Committee of Thailand.
“We have been very successful over the past years with our para athletes being able to transform themselves into the country’s representatives. Their achievements include winning medals at international sports competitions such as ASEAN Para Games and Asian Para Games. Some of them have never dreamed to proudly represent the country as a member of Thailand’s national Paralympic team. But finally they have done it, bringing reputation and happiness to their home country.”
He continued, “It is envisioned that the 5th edition of San Fan Hero (Plus) is building a bridge of opportunity for you and provide all of you here with a pathway to your success. Now you are allowed to redefine your dream with the new courage to serve the nation again. We are ready to be a part of your attempts to make your dream come true and further develop yourself to be a member of Thailand’s national Paralympic team like your predecessors.”
Somchai Supavititpatana, marketing manager of Toyota Motor (Thailand) Company Limited, pointed out that the Company was very delighted and honored by the Paralympic Committee of Thailand’s invitation to sponsor the San Fan Hero Plus 2019 project. He said, “This time, we have realised the commitment of the Committee to encouraging youths and people with disabilities or physical abnormalities to be aware of advantages of playing awards. The Committee also promotes equality among and between para athletes and the others through the San Fan Hero Plus 2019 project. The project is initiated by the Foundation of Paralympic Committee of Thailand with an aim to empower and develop the ability of people with disabilities, and get them inspired and excited about going beyond their physical limitations and building courage to chase their dreams. Besides, participants will be able to boost their potential to become Thailand’s national Paralympic representatives whose success gains happiness and reputation for Thai people and the country as a whole.”
Hideyuki Takeda, managing director of Thai Bridgestone, said: “Thai Bridgestone is very proud to have been supporting the San Fun Hero Plus project for five consecutive years. It is in line with our core mission to Serving the Society with Superior Quality, which involves our sponsorship for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games until 2024 along with support to local and national sports activities that inspires people to go beyond the limit for a better health. The success of our para athletes has proved that everyone has the potential, personal abilities and mental strength to overcome all obstacles. With these, nothing can stop them from chasing your dream. Bridgestone are happy to be there and support them.”
Surasit Thongchan, Singha Corporation, said: “The first year’s cooperation for the San Fun Hero project was focused on giving a chance for disabled veteran soldiers and policemen to return to service. Apart from using physical strength to give protection to the people, now they will serve the nation again with their heart. They will have a chance to earn a reputation for the country in spite of disabilities. The project later opened to members of the general public with disabilities to participate.” He also said, “What makes this year more promising is that many organisations from the private sector take part in supporting the Paralympic athletes and the San Fun Hero Plus. Overall, this generous support leads to the development of Thailand’s Paralympic circles and enables them to gain international reputation for the country.”
Many project’s participants have uncovered their potential and build their dreams beyond all their physical limitations, with strong patience and discipline to achieve their goal and further boosts Thailand’s international sports reputation. Some of them are:
· Mr.Anuson Chaichamnan, a 33 year-old shooting (rifle) athlete who recently won one gold medal at the 2015 Asian Para Games in Singapore, one gold medal at the World Cup 2016 in Bangkok, and bronze medal at the Cheongju 2018 World Shooting Para Sport Championships in Korea.
· Mr.Amnat Khongmon, a shooting (pistol) athlete who won one gold and two bronze medals in 2017 at the Songkhla Samila Games (35th Thailand Para National Games) and won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the 36th Thailand Para National Games (Nam Gok Games) in 2019.
· Mr.Saadam Yaena, a Thai national team's wheelchair racing athlete who won 1 gold and 1 silver medals at the Paknampho Games in 2019, 2 gold medals at the Samila Games (35th Thailand Para National Games), 6 gold medals at the Nakorn Nayok Games in 2019, and 2 bronze at the 36th Thailand Para National Games (Nam Gok Games) in 2019
About Bridgestone:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.
In Thailand, Bridgestone has managed to achieve sustainable growth and success through a great confidence from end-users, dealers, and automotive manufacturers since its production 50 years ago. Through our history, the company has shown a great determination to research, invent, and create excellent products that are suitable for domestic use. Additionally, together with well selected raw materials, state-of-the-art production facilities and machines, and highest standard of quality control, these enable Bridgestone to journey on the same path with corporate mission – “Serving Society with Superior Quality.”