Thanyapura Phuket backs new generation of gifted Asian athletes

Gifted young athletes from Asia and beyond can now be fast-tracked to sporting success without sacrificing a thorough and international standard education as Thanyapura Phuket, Asia's premier sports training destination, launches its ground-breaking Elite Junior Sport Academies and boarding facility.

From August 2014, full board and week day boarding options at a purpose-built, state-of-the-art residential facility will be available to all students and athletes aged 13 to 18 years, complete with an exclusive sports scholarship programme that will see gifted athletes streamed into elite international sporting colleges upon successful completion of their secondary education.

Until 30th April 2014, Thanyapura is accepting applications for a limited number of full and partial scholarships inclusive of sport training, boarding and education at Phuket International Academy Day School, which offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School education.

This allows young athletes with Olympic aspirations to combine sports training with an exemplary IB education under the one roof - a unique one-stop sports and education experience boasting world-class coaches, facilities and teaching methodologies on a spectacular 23-hectare campus that provides the type of highly fertile environment needed to propel young athletes towards greatness in the three academies offered - tennis, swimming and triathlon.

Thanyapura's international reputation as a globally recognised sporting hub has been is underscored by its recent hosting of Thailand's Davis Cup tie against Hong Kong while its Olympic-standard facilities annually attract more than 50 Olympians and World Champions, and 30 national swimming teams from the UK, Netherlands, Italy, China, Australia, Singapore and Hungary, to name just a few, to train in Phuket's pristine, tropical environment.

Thanyapura Phuket Executive Chairman and four-time triathlon world champion Chris McCormack explained "I understand more than most what is needed to excel in sport.

"That's why I'm at Thanyapura and why my three children are here too.

"It has the type of cutting-edge facilities and amenities and progressive approach to the mind and body that is needed to get the very best out of an athlete. It's an all-round approach to excellence in education and sport, body and mind, health and wellness.

"One thing I learned on my way to the top of the sport of triathlon is that life's a learning curve. I finished my education before choosing a life of sport. Thanyapura's Elite Junior Sport Academies now give talented athletes the chance to pursue their dream while achieving a higher education.

"And for children who love sport but are not superstars, Thanyapura's boarding school offers a solid foundation in education, sport and emotional growth, with access to the best teachers and coaches without compromising lifestyle or security."

Located 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura offers high-performance support for the development of elite junior athletes through sports science, sports medicine, nutrition, diet and wellness advice, sport mind coaching and strength and conditioning.

The Elite Junior Swimming Academy formulates a long-term development plan for athletes that aims to steer them towards college scholarships. Aquatics facilities include a 50 metre Olympic competition pool (3 metre deep), underwater video analysis window and Omega starting blocks. Certified by the American Swimming Coaches Association and Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, Randy Simon has produced national champions and placed swimmers on Division One US college teams. He is currently coaching prospects at Thanyapura to represent Thailand in the 2016 Olympics. In 2013 Thanyapura's Swimming Academy achieved two gold medals at the SEA Games.

Thanyapura's tennis courts offer the same surface used at the Australian Open - while the Elite Junior Triathlon Academy's programme is specifically tailored to International Triathlon Union draft-legal racing, providing the ideal springboard for success at the highest level.

Tryouts for the 2014 Elite Junior Sport Academies and scholarships will take place during the Thanyapura Excel and Sport Performance camps held during the April and July school holidays. Athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their talent, with other high performing athletes, in front of Academy coaches and support staff.

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