Friday June 23, 2023 from 13:00 t0 16:00 p.m. – Khon Kaen University by the Student Development and Alumni Relation Division and Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy held a press conference to report news about the MOU to support Volleyball game with 2 pilot schools, namely, Nongruawittaya School, Khon Kaen and Watsawangkongka Municipal School 2, Kalasin. The MOU is for carrying out a project to select volleyball players to enter the KKU Volleyball Academy training center. The other objectives are to make sports skills and capacity key mechanisms in producing youth athletes as professional athletes, to raise income for their families and to stimulate the national economy. The press conference took place at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said that it could not be denied that women volleyball is a famous game of people all over the country at present. It can also be seen that over half of the players of this game are children from Isan. Khon Kaen University therefore came up with the idea to set up the KKU Volleyball Academy as the training center. This Academy is also the intention of the Chairman of KKU Council, Dr. Narongchai Akrasenee. It has been established through campaigns for collaboration from governmental and private sectors. Besides offering a chance for the athletes to use their skills in their occupation, the center will also provide a chance for the players of the KKU Volleyball Academy to study in Khon Kaen University. They do not have to worry much about their studies, but can pay attention to improve their skill. By doing so, they may spend more time than others in completing the degree programs. However, KKU expects to prepare professional players in the near future.
Assoc. Prof. Pensri Charoenwanich, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy and the chairperson of the KKU Volleyball Academy Project revealed that KKU Volleyball Academy [KKU VA] has been established to incubate female volleyball players from schools in the Northeast until they become professional players in the future. The Academy has also been established to demonstrate the role and dedication of KKU to support volleyball game on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of Khon Kaen University. The aim is to enhance collaboration in volleyball game in the Northeast and provide the chance for highly competent youths and school students to practice and join the competitions in volleyball that will be held in the region, in the country or at the international level. In addition, the training and experiences obtained can enable them to become national team players in the future.
Miss Em-orn Pimkhot, an 18-year old and a 12th grader of Nongruawittaya School, Khon Kaen said, “I love volleyball because I have Pi Nan Thatdao Nuekjaeng as my idol, for she is an ex student from my school. I applied to play in the school team and practice hard. My parents also support me in this regard on seeing that the game can be an occupation for me. I practice 3 hours a day and wake up at 4 a.m. every day. In the future, I want to play in the national team. I hope that the Academy will support us and we will do our best. I’m grateful to the generous individuals and Khon Kaen University in this regard.”
Miss Yaowapa Panyabutr (Punch), a 17-year old 11th grader of Sawangkongka Municipality School 2, Kalasin said, “I want to obtain experience in the international games. My aim is to play for the national team. But if that is not possible for me, I hope to play for a league in the country. My idol is Beam Peechaya Kokram. I’m worrying a little because my school is small. The special program in sports excellence then makes the school outstanding. I’d like the Academy to support in terms of food and nutrition, or the Faculty of Associated Medical Science can support by helping us restoring muscles. We really want support from the executives and we will work for the best.”
Both schools that signed the MOU with the Project will receive equipment from the Academy and support for practices at the KKU Volleyball Academy, which is at the Sports Center of Khon Kaen University for 1 year. The schools, trainers and assistant trainers and the players will receive support for the traveling costs, accommodation and allowances during practices. There will be seminars, training and conferences for improving knowledge in the sports. The players will be supported to join the games held by different organizations by the KKU Volleyball Academy. The players that sign the contract for the KKU Volleyball Academy will be enrolled into Khon Kaen University in accordance with the condition set forth.
The KKU Volleyball Academy receives monetary support from AIA Co. Ltd. for carrying out the project, and Khun Chana Supatsorn, President of the Administrative Section of Intelligist Co. Ltd. for supporting the schools and players. The individuals and organizations that are involved and help carrying out the project are: Khun Saimai Paladsrichuay (Assistant Trainer of Thai Women National team), Khun Thapapaipan Rachaseree (Former female volleyball player for Thailand team), Khun Jaruwat Boonperm, Mayor of Kalasin Municipality, Khun Wasan Janpisit, Director of Nongruawittaya School, Khon Kaen and the two schools.
News / Photos: Jiraporn Prathomchai
