The focus was on fun and togetherness, rather than winning times and trophies, at the Pattaya Court’s “Cycling for Harmony” event.
About 500 riders, including a number of local officials, turned out July 20 for the two-race affair, with hardcore cyclists taking a 50-kilometer trek through the area, and less-serious “VIPs” going just 15 kilometers.
Competition was not taken too seriously, though, as both first- and last-place finishers were treated as winners and awarded medals. There also were lucky draws for an audio system, bags, hats, umbrellas and vouchers, many of which were awarded as expressions of gratitude.
Wattana Withayakul from Region 3’s Office of the Chief Justice announces the start of the ‘Bicycle for Fun with Pattaya Courthouse’ event.
The court’s Mediation Club joined with Pattaya City Hall, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Pattaya Business & Tourism Association and Pattaya Cycling Club for the event, which was aimed at promoting the courthouse’s lawsuit-mediation project and highlight eco-tourism in Pattaya.
Wattana Withayakul of Region 3’s Office of the Chief Justice welcomed Chief Justice Apichart Thepnoo, Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho, former MPs, and other community leaders to the rally.
Dusit Thani Pattaya GM Chatchawal Supachayanont (left) presents a lucky draw prize to one of the many lucky winners.
The main course took cyclists from the Pattaya Court, out to Siam Country Club, past Thammasart University, out to Huay Yai, past the Attorney’s Office to Jomtien Second Road, and back to the courthouse.
The shorter VIP route also started at the Pattaya Court, but headed out along Jomtien Second Road up to Sukhumvit Road, made a U-turn and returned to the courthouse via the same route, although riders made a stop at Soi Jomtien Palm Beach to play two games on the beach.
Over 50 bicyclists crowd the starting line.
During this fun day, all participants are winners!
