The PSC is well known for its charity work in the community, but twice a year they hold parties to give a little back to the members.
The Town in Town Hotel was the venue for the Pattaya Sports Club Summer party held on the evening of Wednesday the 15th of July.
Over 280 people were in attendance in the main ballroom with a sumptuous buffet set out around the pool with free flow drinks all night.
The evening started with the house band playing as the guests were seated. As folks began to quiet down, PSC President Peter Malhotra gave his introductory speech.
Peter pointed out that the club started back in 1979 with 31 charter members and a monthly sports calendar consisting of only one event, golf. “The growth of our club mirrors the growth of Pattaya. As Pattaya rapidly became popular as a tourist destination, our club grew in members and in activities,” he said.
The PSC Executive Committee (2015-16) Ngarmjit ‘Noi’ Emmerson (Charity Chairperson), Peter Blackburn (Vice President), Dick Warberg (Social Chairman), Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra (President), Maurice Roberts (Golf Chairman), Geoff Couch (Registrar), Bobby Clark (Founder’s Chair) and Andre Van Dyk (Public Relations).
The charter members rejected proposals that this club be a commercial enterprise. From the very beginning Pattaya Sports Club policy has always been only to ‘Promote Sports and Support Local Charities’.
Peter went on to say, “By the late 1980s, word had spread among local residents, regular visitors, and tourists, that the benefits of Pattaya Sports Club membership were substantial. And, as our membership grew, so did our ability to support the needy children, local schools, hospitals, the aged and the handicapped of our community.
President Peter welcomes Pattaya City councilor Banchong Banthoonprayuk.
“The time had come to change our informal ‘club’ status to a registered non-profit association. After meeting all of the Thai government application rules and waiting an additional two years for approval, Pattaya Sports Club was granted ‘non-profit association’ status in 1996.
“The club’s focus has always been firmly set on promoting sports and to exercise charity by looking after the well-being and educational needs of children.
Nittaya Patimasongkroh and Sophin Thappajug, two distinguished members of the PSCA.
“In the last nineteen years the club has expanded to encompass many forms of sports to cater for the growing expat community and has spearheaded countless charity initiatives.
“Currently the Pattaya Sports Club has over 30,000 listed members and more than11,000 active ones.”
The lovely ladies of PSC (standing l-r) Suksophee (Lek), Nantida Thepsai (Tida) PSC office manager, Shonasan Lomachaem (Nam). (sitting l-r) Kasamol Promkoon (Molly), Pajaree Srichart (Candy), Supawadee Suwannachairob (Wao).
Peter also made special mention of the VIP’s that were present on the evening, namely Pattaya City councilor Banchong Banthoonprayuk; Diana Group MD Sopin Thappajug; Radchada Chomjinda – Director HHN Foundation Thailand; Nittaya Patimasongkroh, past president of the YWCA; Praichit Jetpai, president of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Chapter; Elfi Seitz, editor of the Pattaya Blatt and designer of the PSC logo; Otmar and Margret Deter from the Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International; and Rodney James Charman, President of the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard and member of TFI.
Distinguished guests included Rodney Charman (left) President of the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard, Otmar and Margret Deter, Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International, Bernie Tuppin (standing centre) charity chair of the Jesters Care 4 Kids and Elfi Seitz (standing 3rd right).
Peter also took this opportunity to introduce the audience to the new executive committee for the PSC for 2015-2016. He thanked them all for contributing their time in helping the PSC to be able to continue its good work.
The new Golf Chairman Maurice Roberts stated in an interview for Pattaya Mail that he was delighted to take up this position and that he was continuing to organize the monthly golf tournaments. He said he continually negotiates with various golf clubs to get the very best deals for the members.
Rodney Charman (standing left) cheers on the Pattaya Cricket Club team led by Captain Simon Philbrook (standing right).
Also in attendance was Bernie Tuppin, who for many years served as the charity chairman and was also still a very active member of the Jesters Care for Kids committee. Bernie stated that he was delighted that the PSC was still helping the needy in the community and added that by working with the likes of Jesters, YWCA, Rotary & TFI, they could all work together for a common goal.
After the formalities, the buffet was opened and the popular local celebrity Barry Upton provided background music with a solo set as the volunteers were busy selling raffle tickets.
Radchada Chomjinda – Director of the HHN Foundation Thailand, presents Peter with a gift as Bobby Clark, Elfi Seitz and Katharina look on.
MC Paul Strachan then took to the stage to announce the lucky ‘door prize’ winners, along with great raffle prizes from Siriram Spa, Chok Dee Restaurant, The Courtyard, and Casa Pascal. Margrit Hoffmann, a well-known international equestrian competition judge won a half baht gold necklace.
The evening continued with Barry Upton and the Beach Bums playing a set of popular tunes giving the guests the chance to relax and indulge in a bit of dancing.
If you would like to find out more about the Pattaya Sports Club, please go online to www.pattayasports.org.
