In the rural areas of Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, seven small schools are facing challenges due to a shortage and deterioration of sports equipment for over 800 students. Most of these students come from low-income families, with parents working as labourers and farmers. Often, children have to inflate old, flat volleyballs frequently, making the game unenjoyable. Some have to use rusty pétanque balls, which feel rough and unpleasant to touch. Due to the damaged and insufficient sports equipment, many children have shifted their socialisation through sports towards spending more time on their mobile phones. This has led to a lack of laughter and conversations among young people, making sports-playing increasingly difficult and distant.
Old, flat balls which children have to inflate frequently
Rusty pétanque balls, which feel rough and unpleasant to touch
To provide opportunities and increase access to sports for youth, AbbVie Pharmaceuticals (Thailand) Ltd., a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with World Vision Thailand and Kanchanaburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 to support complete sets of sports equipment, including volleyballs, footballs, sepak takraw balls, pétanque balls, along with nets and various accessories. Ms. Lydia Lim Qin Yun, Marketing Acquisition & Digital Engagement Division Manager, represented World Vision Thailand at the in-kind handover.
The handover of the sports equipment from the executives and staff of AbbVie Pharmaceuticals (Thailand) Ltd.
The laughter and cheers echoing in schools have brought school sports fields back to life. This support not only creates opportunities for youth to play sports but also helps develop various skills and physical, mental, emotional, and social development. It boosts confidence and fosters friendships among students. This is a significant step in enhancing the quality of education for youth in remote areas, ensuring they develop appropriately for their age.
‘Inflating balls, sharing smiles’ Children enjoy inflating a volleyball together.
“Awesome!” a message from the kids to the kind donors
The new, shiny pétanque balls that are nice and easy to handle
The new sepak takraw balls have the school’s name inscribed on them to show ownership and encourage everyone to take care of them.
World Vision Thailand and the teachers and students of all schools would like to thank AbbVie Pharmaceuticals (Thailand) Ltd for recognising the importance of youth development in remote areas. This support will be an important starting point in building a strong foundation for the children through sports and constructive recreational activities.
Children enjoy playing together.
Children are playing in the field with the new net and sepak takraw balls.
The cheers echo throughout the school, bringing the sports field back to life once again.
Children are excited to play more with their brand-new pétanque balls and promise to take good care of them.ดี
