Klong Toei, Bangkok, Saturday 10th of January: United Through Sports (UTS) joined Sport is Your Gang Thailand, formed under the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) to mark Thailand’s Children’s Day, or Wan Dek as its known locally, at Laan Muay Kru Sua in Khlong Toei, a community where sport plays an important role in supporting underprivileged young people.
Children’s Day is held every second Saturday of January and is dedicated to celebrating the country’s youth. For IFMA, the event is one of many on the Sport Is Your Gang program, which uses Muaythai to offer young people a positive direction and a sense of belonging. This year’s celebration took place at Laan Muay Kru Sua, a youth centre that has served the Khlong Toei community since 1999. For more than two decades, Kru Kae and his wife have worked closely with local children, using Muaythai to build confidence, discipline, and respect.
UTS was pleased to support the event alongside IFMA. Several UTS team members, including Chey Sheard, and Aaliyan Khurram, volunteered throughout the day. UTS supported to deliver games, spend quality time encouraging the children, and supporting the program. UTS also donated clothing, toys and essential items for the youth, showing our care and generosity that defined the day. The event welcomed a number of respected guests, including HSH Prince Nawaphansa Yugala of the Kingdom of Thailand, IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, IFMA Sport Director Janice Lyn, and UTS President Stephan Fox, along with members of the IFMA team and supporters from across the sporting community.
The children enjoyed a wide range of activities, with lunches and ice cream to balloon making and games. Young athletes also took part in Muaythai performances, including Wai Kru and Kita Muaythai, as well as friendly competitions that reflected the sport’s traditions and values.
For UTS, being part of Children’s Day was about more than supporting an event. It was about spending time with the community to give back and through sport connecting with young people in a meaningful way. As the day came to a close, the atmosphere at Laan Muay Kru Sua reflected the spirit of the occasion, one of celebration, and hope for the future.
Sook San Wan Dek! Happy Children’s Day from United Through Sports.
