Thailand’s Paralympic contingent sign well wishes to HM the King
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Jutinan Bhirombhakdi, chairman of the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, led the Thailand’s Paralympic contingent which included double-gold medallists Pongsakorn Paeyo and Prawat Wahoram to sign well-wishing message to HM the King at Sala Sahathai Samakho
The contingent returned from the Paralympic Games between September 7 and 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the biggest-ever medal haul of six gold, six silver, six bronze medals to finish 23rd place overall at the medal standings among 159 participating nations.
On Tuesday, the Paralympic contingent paraded in an open-topped in a procession from Hua Mark Indoor Stadium along Rama IX Road to Victory Monument before arriving at Government House for a festive banquet. Cheering fans lined the route to hand them roses and were rewarded with waves and smiles from the country's returning heroes.
A huge number of Bt182.8-million cash incentives from the National Sports Development Fund were also given away by PM Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to those returning with medals as well as staff coaches and associations involved. Even those who ended up empty-handed were all-smiles on Tuesday as they each received Bt100,000 supporting money for their dedication in hard training and competing for the Kingdom.
After completion of the well-wishing signing on Wednesday, Jutinan said, “It’s a good opportunity for the Thailand’s Paralympic contingent, which performed superbly at the Rio Paralympic Games to capture 18 medals including six gold, to sign on the well-wishing book. We need to express our loyalty to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and hope that His Majesty would prosper, be in good health and happy.”
Wheelchair racer Pongsakorn, who claimed four medals in Rio de Janeiro comprising two gold and two silver, expressed his great delight to attend the well-wishing signing as he wished HM the King good health and happiness.
“If granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, I would like to present him the Paralympic medals I have won in Rio de Janeiro. All Thai athletes love His Majesty and he has always been happy to grant us a morale boosting audience. His Majesty has been an inspiration to all Thais involved in sports at whatever level. Both as an athlete and as a faithful patron of sport, he has given us all reasons to swell with pride and can justifiably be called the "heart and soul of the Thai sports community,” Pongsakorn said.
