Thanyapura Phuket Supporting Born Free to Run Programme

Thanyapura Phuket has extended its commitments to developing sporting excellence in athletes and enthusiasts of all abilities and ages, by teaming up with the Phuket Community Foundation to host an altruistic training programme led by local Thai triathlon star and Thanyapura Academies' Coach Ricky Ekkarat.

The 'Born Free to Run' project is focused on sourcing local young sporting talent to nurture the future generation of running athletes. The programme offers free access to Thanyapura world-class sports facilities, as well as training alongside Mr Ekkarat who recently won the Sprint Duathlon of the Malakoff Powerman Asian Championship 2013.

"It's an inspiring environment here for children, training alongside professional athletes, Olympians and world record holders gives a sense of tangibility to their aspirations. Training at the same facilities as these sporting greats shows them that their goals are attainable with the right outlook and support," said Thanyapura President, Robert Hauck.

Inspired by helping athletes achieve their true potential, Thanyapura provides a challenging and performance-focused environment dedicated to athletes of all ages and abilities, utilising expert coaches, state-of-the-art facilities, proven training principles, sport science, sport mind training and the breathtaking surroundings of a national park to help improve performance and build confidence leading to a lifelong love for their sport.

Cindy Ratcliffe MBE, Manager of the Phuket Community Foundation, said, "An initiative of The Phuket Community Foundation, Born Free to Run's main focus is on spotting future running talent, as well as encouraging local youths to choose a healthy and active lifestyle, free from drugs and other substance abuse by promoting a healthy competitive spirit amongst the children participating."

The Phuket Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Phuket for everyone regardless of their origins or their beliefs, with emphasis on poverty alleviation, education, preserving the environment, promoting art and culture, improving road safety and boosting public health.

Training sessions are taking place at Thanyapura every Wednesday 17:00-18:30 and Friday 16:30-18:30 with more to be confirmed.

Athletes participating in the Born Free to Run programme will go on to compete in events on the following dates:

- 10/11/13 at Cherngtalay Phuket
- 17/11/13 at Klokkloy Municipalities Phang Nga
- 30/11/13 at Thanyapura - Thanyapura Junior Challenge Triathlon Phuket