Published on November 18, 2005

[BADMINTON] A budget of Bt200 million has been set up to support the “Go for Gold” campaign, the Crown Property Bureau and Siam Cement Group’s project to help Thais to win gold at the Olympics. Aviruth Wongbuddhapitak, assistant director-general of the Crown Property Bureau, said yesterday the project would support Thai competitors and help them to succeed in major competitions, particularly the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Aviruth said the four-year project, which will give Bt50 million a year to the Badminton Association of Thailand, was set up in line with the association’s development policy for better team management, greater administration and financial support as well as extensive skill training.

“The ‘Go for Gold’ campaign is a development project which will not only help maximise the expertise of the Thai players, but also support their studies and offer them a future career after they retire.

“This, I believe, will encourage new talent to develop even further. I hope that with the launch of the project, Thai players will achieve more in future major competitions and new generations will follow in their successful footsteps,” Aviruth said.

SCG vice president and chief financial officer Roongrote Rangsiyopash said he was looking forward to the project being a success which will reflect well on Thailand’s badminton circle.

“I believe these three key successful factors - potential players, well-organised management and more encouragement from the Thai media - will help fulfil the dream of the Thai players,” Roongrote said.

BAT president Professor Charoen Wattanasin said he was happy that the scheme will assist players when they retire from the game as they are assured of a career.

“A big round of applause should go to all badminton clubs which have helped to sharpen the players’ skills before they join the national team. I would like to thank the Crown Property Bureau and SCG for helping to lead our players to a brighter future,” Charoen said.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

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