ESPN STAR Sports Joins Laguna Phuket to Donate to Special Olympics Thailand

Media Release
31-Mar-2009

Laguna Phuket and the ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) football broadcasting team together raised THB 400,000 for the Special Olympics Thailand. The event is part of Laguna Phuket’s corporate social responsibility initiative to raise funds to provide more opportunities for aspiring athletes with intellectual disabilities from the southern regions of Thailand to compete in the Regional and potentially the National or World Special
Olympic Games.

The weekend’s programme kicked off on Saturday 28 March with a charity golf tournament at Laguna Phuket Golf Club featuring 16 golf teams playing with the ESS presenters. Later, more than 160 people joined the charity dinner and auction night at the Sheraton Grande Laguna, hosted by veteran ESS presenter John Dykes. Guest speaker, English football legend Steve McMahon, entertained dinner guests with a
question and answer session, plus anecdotes from his professional football career. There was also an auction featuring sports and entertainment memorabilia including autographed jerseys from Liverpool United and David Beckham, guitars signed by Bruce Springsteen and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, as well as a Maradona jersey signed by ‘The Hand of God’ himself and plenty of other fantastic
items.

Michael Ayling, managing director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc commented, “The ESPN STAR Sports charity weekend has rapidly become a favourite in the Laguna Phuket calendar during the past three years. The international media presence of the ESS team plus the world class golf and hospitality of Laguna Phuket form a winning combination to raise money and awareness for important causes in Thailand. This year,
I am particularly satisfied that the event managed to do so much to support the Special Olympics Thailand and bring the benefit of sport to those less fortunate than ourselves. I am also delighted that a 30 minute TV programme dedicated to the event will be aired on ESPN STAR Sports in June.”

Phuket locals showed great support for the charity event, sponsored by Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer and Wine & Taste, and enjoyed the opportunity to get up close and personal with TV personalities, whilst supporting a deserving cause. Sunday 29 March saw a Football Fun Day at the British International School take place with activities including football clinics and friendly seven-aside football matches between the ESPN STAR Sports team and the Phuket Reporters Club, British International School teachers and students. There was also a ‘unified’ game with students from the British International School and the Special Olympics students.