The Thailand Windsurfing Association rewarded athletes for their 2014 performances and prepped for upcoming competitions at a meeting in Pattaya.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, the honorary head of the organization, and Secretary Phattana Bunsawad presented sponsor payments and association stipends to Pattaranai Jeenin, who finished 19th of our 67 surfers at June’s RSX European Championships in Turkey, and Aek Bunswad, who finished 33rd.
Association officials said their Group A finishes were considered a great success for Thai windsurfing and will help the team prepare for the Asian Games in South Korea next month and the Asian Beach Games in October.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (2nd right) presents a sponsorship award to Aek Bunswad (right). The young Thai windsurfer is currently competing at the Asian Games in Incheon.
Those competitions are only two important matches on the calendar.
Team manager Pannika Mangmeephol took five athletes to the Asian Games, which began Aug. 25 in Incheon: Aek (RSX), Sarocha Pumprai (RSX), Nattaphong Photinopparat (Mistral One), Siriporn Keawduan-ngam (RS One), and Pattaradanai Jeenin (Reserve).
Aek also confirmed he will go to Spain for the first qualifying track for the 2016 Olympics.
In 2015, both Siriporn and Sarocha go head-to-head in Oman to qualify for the Brazil Olympics where the Thai team has just one spot.
