Clark Hatch Fitness Center

Volume 50

July 2003

Events and Competitions

::: The annual Waist Away Competition at the Thaniya center had over 40 participants running, biking and dancing their way to a new slim look after the excesses of Christmas and New Year. Besides the obvious loss in kilos and inches everyone benefited from the extra cardio workouts and healthier eating habits.
Congratulations to DHAMWICHIT PATCHARAPONG, pictured on the Lifecycle, who came out the big loser by removing almost 2 inches from his waist and 1.5 kilos in weight.

::: Things just get bigger and better as far as our annual Clark Hatch Golf Tournament is concerned. Despite the searing heat at the Kiata Thani Golf Course a record 70 members took to the greens for a fabulous day out. Owing to the large numbers some participants didn't tee off until early afternoon which may account for the unusual number of balls being lost in the woods! Despite the delays everyone made it back to the club house in time for a scrumptious buffet. A big thank you to Khun Krisda, Charn Issara center manager, and Senior Manager Lamlert for organising this popular event.

Winners in the Low Gross Score category were Flight A - Mr Vincent (Charn Issara), Flight B - Mr Wolfgang (Century Park), and Flight C - Mr Somkid (Seri center). Low Net Score winners were Flight A - Mr Jade (Charn Issara), Flight B - Mr Sandy (Hilton), Flight C - Mr Sorakiat (Century Park). Second Low Net Score category winners were Flight A - Mr Natthawut (Seri Center).

::: The Clark Hatch Mini-Football Tournament 2003 saw a record 24 teams participating at the Royal Thai Army sports grounds on Vibhavadhi-Rangsit Road, Saturday 24th May. All four football pitches were in use to see the 7-aside, twenty minute games finished before night fall. After hours of exciting play in the sweltering heat two teams representing Thaniya center amazed everyone by qualifying as the 1st Division finalists with 'New Thaniya' (in red) winning the final game 1-0. The Taipan Hotel team came out Division 2 winners with the Ambassador Hotel team winning Division 3. It was a long day but a lot of fun for both participants and spectators and Senior Manager Lamlert and his Century Hotel staff deserve a big thank you for organising the tournament.

::: Members will have seen on TV and read in the newspapers lots of publicity about the 50th Anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest. Well, one of our own members has been given some deserved recognition for her mountaineering feats during all the celebrations. Kingkaew Buatoon is the only Thai to climb to the North Col of Mt Everest - a height of 6,700 meters. She and husband Dr Charles Mitchell accomplished this (without oxygen) in 1997. Later this year Kaew and Charles are planning to climb the Eiger in Switzerland which is noted for it's sheer rock faces and in 2004 Mt. Cho Oyu in the Himalayas, the sixth highest mountain in the world at 8,200 meters. All this high elevation climbing requires extreme endurance and fitness levels so its not surprising to see them both working out everyday on the step machines, treadmills and the weights. Photo shows Kaew with gym supervisor, Tanom, after a session on the leg press. Good luck to Kaew and Charles with their future climbs.

::: After four years at the helm in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Achara Vittayakhun (Nai) has handed over management of the Clark Hatch Fitness Center to Richard Vong Vicheth Chin. Richard was born in Cambodia but has spent most of his life in Australia where he completed his Bachelor degree in Leisure Studies at the University of New South Wales. Nai saw plenty of excitement during her tenure in Cambodia. She and several hundred other Thai nationals were evacuated by the Thai Airforce after the riots a few months ago but now is enjoying a well-earned holiday. Let's wish both Richard and Nai good luck for the future.

::: Also at the Watergate center a new activity, Tai Chi, has been introduced for members and guests. Conducted every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30 pm this ancient Chinese form of exercise will improve balance, breathing, and muscular control. Give it a try!

::: Lots of good, clean fun was had at the Water Games Party held in the Watergate swimming pool on 20th May. Twelve teams of 3 members each participated in a host of events in and out of the water and, judging by the photo, a great time was had by all.

::: Wow, how time flies! The Amari Atrium center was officially opened on 11th May, 1996 and the 7th Anniversary Party was held just recently. Manager Urai, who has been at the helm for all these 7 years, organised the party with the proceeds being donated to the Amari Hotels and Resorts "Baht for a Better Life'' fund. A total of Baht13,000 was raised for this worthy charity! Photo shows some of the participants enjoying the event with hotel General Manager Marco Saxer at center.

::: The magnificent astro-turf tennis courts at the Seri Center were given their first real test in March when an informal tournament was held between visiting center teams After some blistering play, Team Charn Issara came out winners with Chaengwattana taking the 2nd place trophy. The verdict - the courts and setting are great and there will be plenty more tournaments in future!

Fitness People

WHETHER you've lost fat, gained muscle, improved your strength, run faster and further, or just feel and look a whole lot better, CONGRATULATIONS.