A GROUP OF celebrities has lined up to support Thailand’s athletes in the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Led by Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, president of Paralympic Committee of Thailand and Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi, chairman of Brain Disabled Sports Association, they have launched an online campaign to let the public show its backing for the athletes competing in the games that take place from September 7 to 18.
Chutinant said, “This is a great occasion where Thai people can witness the talents of Thai paralympics athletes who make a name for their country with their commitment. All of them carry the hopes of Thailand.
“We are launching the campaign #HEROparalympic2016 and inviting Thai people to send their support through online media by clicking “Like” on Paralympic Thailand Facebook fan page with hash tag #HEROparalympic2016.
“The messages will be put together and sent to the athletes during the competition,” Chutinant said during a press conference at the Cellar Room of Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok.
Nat Prakobsantisuk, the famous photographer assigned to the campaign, said, “I am very glad to be part of interpreting the efforts of the athletes through photos. To me, they are not only athletes, but they are heroes for Thai people, similar to the concept I use for photographing this project which is focusing on commitment and determination not only in sports but also on the challenges of their bodies.
“For the mood and tone, I would like to tell the story that people should not give up or fight when facing challenges in their lives. I would like to invite Thai people to send their support to our athletes who are doing their best to create a name for our country and to be paralympics heroes.”
The press conference was packed with celebrities such as Dr Arunee Tangkaravakoon, Sombatsara Teerasaroch, Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn, Nattinee Sirirattanapol, Patawee Thongsem, Nathaphat Suwanno, Dr Puttipong Poomsuwan, together with his wife, Dr Chongmart Lertsilp, Piyarat Kaljareuk, Dr Pavarit Tangruenrat, Sukanya Janchoo, Warunthorn Somkitrungroj and Benjawan Buhrman.
Naiyanobh said, “I always feel great to see a team happy. I believe that anything done with a happy mind brings a great result, and so do the athletes. If we send them a lot of support, at least post some messages, we can be a part of their successful game.”
Patcharapimol said the athletes talents are so impressive as they need to put huge effort into practising for the competition. We, as Thai people, should see them as an idol for our work and our life.” Sirirattanapol said that as the athletes have been practising so hard “success is within reach”.
Paralympic Games fans can follow “Paralympic Games 2016” on September 7-18 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as sending their supports to the athletes through Paralympic Thailand Facebook fan page with hash tag #HEROparalympic2016 from today onward.
This source first appeared on The Nation Life.