A musical genius.
Derek Franklin
The annual Regent’s School Picnic in the Park took place on the
afternoon of Sunday May 18th and as with previous years there was a showcase
of talent from children of all ages.
The event was held at its usual venue, the Father Ray Children’s Home, and
the threat of rain and the gathering of black clouds did nothing to deter
the young musicians and performers.
The first performance of the day was a gymnastic performance. The audience
sat in awe as the children flew through the air, performed back flips and
all under the supervision of their teacher, Mr. Ivan, who just happens to be
a former European champion and member of the Spanish Olympic gymnast team.
From then on it was performance after performance from the children from
Regent’s and also from the children living at the Father Ray Children’s
Home.
Korean drummers, aerobic dancers, songs from soloists, duets and even the
teachers had a jam session.
For the young children there was a car ride and a painting booth which kept
everyone amused, while the man in charge of the bouncy castle gave up trying
to limit the numbers of children who climbed over it.
The day came to an end with a performance by the rock band from the
Children’s Home and, even though they sang in Thai, the band received a lot
of compliments on their musical skills.
The aim of the event, apart from giving the children an opportunity to
perform before a live audience, was to raise much needed funds for the
Father Ray Children’s Home and more than 23,000 baht was raised.
More information can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email
[email protected].
The Korean drummers.
The future Eric Clapton.
The day ended with the rock
band from the Children’s Home.
Mr Ivan assists his gymnasts.
Fun on the bouncy castle.
This young lady gave a
beautiful rendition of a Cyndy Lauper classic.
There was fun for all the
children.
Pattaya Sports Club Annual Report
Fountain of Life - new toilets with Jesters.
William Macey
The generosity of members of Pattaya Sports Club is a delightful aspect of being
Charity Chairman. Here is but one example. The floods were not quite as bad last
year but there was still some extensive damage in many areas - none more so than
an orphanage in Mai Sot. The 60 or so children saw their personal belongings
being washed away together with toys, books and many other items. An appeal was
made to PSC members and the response was astonishing. Clothes, toys, food, and
household items were left at the PSC office sufficient to fill a truck and, in
addition, money was donated to help purchase supplies locally.
Karunyawet - home for disabled
ladies.
The generosity of
the PSC members is in addition to the 3 million baht donated by Pattaya Sports
Club during the last financial year, bringing the overall total to approximately
3.75 million baht.
Looking through the list of 60 projects, which was completed during the
financial year, the causes were many and varied: food supplies, new toilet
facilities, water filtration systems installed, scholarships, sports equipment
and facilities and many others.
One of the many pleasures of being the Charity Chairman of PSC is the
opportunity to meet the most charming, delightful people who run the various
centres for, without their dedication and commitment, the centres would not
exist. They work tirelessly to offer help and support to both young and old.
This is not exclusive to Pattaya but is evident in centres throughout Thailand.
To the benefit of all those in need, co-operation with other groups is so
important but always a pleasure when working with Jesters, YWCA, Rotary, TFI,
and this has happened so many times this year. Long may it continue in the
future.
The areas that benefit each year include centres that are helping those with
HIV, children that do not have a family to take care of them, those with
disabilities, children with special needs and many schools that need water,
sports equipment or some building extension and many more. The Fr Ray
Foundation, Pattaya Orphanage, Hand to Hand, Baan Jing Jai, ATCC, Nongprue
Municipality and many others are all recipients of PSC funds and it is an
absolute pleasure to see the smiles on the children’s faces of those that have
received our help.
Mushroom farms with YWCA.
We have been active for many years supporting the handicapped and
underprivileged but providing the opportunity for Thai children to play sport is
high on our agenda and this year was no exception. Donating funds for the
badminton, table tennis and the caddie golf competition have given more than
1500 children the opportunity to play in a competitive environment this last
year. Close to 1 million baht has been used to provide children with the chance
to play all their favourite sports and we have witnessed this year many Thai
champions - the world ladies badminton champion at the age of 18, men’s
volleyball team together with an international table tennis player at the age of
14 with a great future ahead of him.
We must extend a big thank you to all Pattaya Sports Club members who either
renew their membership or became members when visiting Pattaya for without them,
donations could not be made.
ATCC sports equipment with Jesters
and TFI.
Bikes for Tykes with Rick.
Fr. Ray handicap fencing
equipment.
National Badminton Championships.
Hand To Hand.
Camillian Social Centre.
