Thanyapura to develop running athletes in Phuket community

Phuket-based active and healthy lifestyle destination Thanyapura is extending its commitment to developing sporting excellence in athletes and enthusiasts of all abilities and ages, teaming up with the Phuket Community Foundation to host an altruistic training program led by local Thai triathlon star and Thanyapura Academies' Coach Ricky Ekkarat.

The 'Born Free to Run' project is focused on sourcing local young sporting talent to nurture a future generation of running athletes. The program offers free access to Thanyapura world-class sports facilities, as well as training alongside Ekkarat.

Ekkarat recently won the Sprint Duathlon of the Malakoff Powerman Asian Championship 2013.

Thanyapura President Robert Hauck explained "it's an inspiring environment here for children, training alongside professional athletes, Olympians and world record holders gives a sense of tangibility to their aspirations. Training at the same facilities as these sporting greats shows them that their goals are attainable with the right outlook and support."

Inspired by helping athletes achieve their true potential, Thanyapura provides a challenging and performance-focused environment dedicated to athletes of all ages and abilities, utilising expert coaches, state-of-the-art facilities, proven training principles, sport science, sport mind training and the breathtaking surroundings of a national park to help improve performance and build confidence leading to a lifelong love for their sport.

Phuket Community Foundation Manager Cindy Ratcliffe adds "an initiative of The Phuket Community Foundation, Born Free to Run's main focus is on spotting future running talent, as well as encouraging local youths to choose a healthy and active lifestyle, free from drugs and other substance abuse by promoting a healthy competitive spirit amongst the children participating", said

The Phuket Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Phuket for everyone regardless of their origins or their beliefs, with emphasis on poverty alleviation, education, preserving the environment, promoting art and culture, improving road safety and boosting public health.

Born Free to Run training sessions are taking place at the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC) every Wednesday and Friday, with participants set to compete in a range of events.

Based on a unique three-dimensional coaching model for the mind, body and soul, Thanyapura was created with the single aim of helping others optimise their potential and live a more fulfilling life: through education, through mind management, through health and through sport.

15 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura presents a unique and inspiring destination for individuals and groups, from amateur sports enthusiasts and those looking for a more balanced approach to the management of body and mind, to corporate groups looking for motivating offsite retreats and locals seeking a more active and healthy lifestyle.

Surrounded by a beautiful and peaceful environment, Thanyapura offers some of the world's top coaches and cutting edge programs in their respective fields: from triathlon to mind training and education to preventive medicine. Thanyapura's 23 hectare site comprises four centres: Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC), Thanyapura Mind Centre (TMC), Thanyapura Integrative Health Centre (TIHC) and Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS).

It also encompasses the 77-room Thanyapura Sports Hotel and the 38-room Thanyapura Retreat Hotel.

Visit the Born Free to Run Facebook community at www.facebook.com/bornfreetorun

Image: Thayapura athletes compete in the Phuket Triathlon.

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