Volume 57
July 2006

CLARK HATCH FITNESS CENTERS

- 40 years of promoting health and fitness.
It all began on 12th December, 1965, well before many, if not most, of our present members were born, when Clark Hatch opened his first fitness center in Azabu Towers, Tokyo, Japan. It was the only western style fitness center in the country and was to remain operating at the same location for the next 39 years. Since then over 140 fitness centers have borne the Clark Hatch name - from Seoul, Korea to Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; Chengdu, China to Houston, U.S.A.
::EVENTS::
Early each year we hold probably our most important workshop - CPR or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. Conducted as always by the Thai Red Cross, this is very much a 'hands on' session with representatives from all Clark Hatch centers undergoing a full-days training for certification. Hopefully their CPR knowledge will never be required but at least we do have trained personnel available should the situation arise.

Thanks to the Thai Red Cross staff and also the Amari Atrium Hotel for hosting the event this year.

The Amari Watergate Hotel center organized two fun events in April and May - the Aerobic Black & White Night attracted a late-night crowd whilst the Water Fun Games was for those who like to get in the swim. Hope GM Pierre-Andre Pelletier wasn't called on for lifesaving duty in that nice suit of his!

Meanwhile at the Thaniya Plaza center the annual Bench Press competition saw new records established for both men and women. Panthep Sorajja took the men's title with an incredible 56 reps whilst Thanaporn Boonpiboon proved she's got strength as well as beauty by performing 40 lifts!

Manager Richard Chin generated lots of publicity for the Phnom Penh center by organizing an Abdominal Contest. Competitors were given several months in which to hone up their stomach muscles for the final show-down held at the U2 Entertainment Center and broadcast on national television in March. The winner was Mr Spohun who sported an 8-pack!! Our instructor Sarun came in a worthy 2nd place.
The Annual Clark Hatch Managers Meet held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this year gave an opportunity for the more senior managers to show off their athletic prowess and put the younger types in their places, particularly in the jogging and basketball events! And there is no one who can out-dribble Mr Clark Hatch himself on the court. Besides these fun activities managers did get down to some serious business and, since 2005 marks the 40th Anniversary of Clark Hatch Fitness Centers, discussions included how to promote the name and the brand.
Managers were later invited to the official opening of the new Clark Hatch Fitness Center and Spa at the Hilton Hotel which shares the podium with Le Meridien above Sentral, the Kuala Lumpur transportation hub and terminus for the Airport Express train. Both hotels share the fitness facilities and a 120 meter long free form swimming pool! The Sports Minister, Datuk Azalina Othman Said, officiated and a large crowd of VIP guests enjoyed great food and entertainment.
John also took the opportunity of traveling to Penang to visit a new Clark Hatch center at The Heritage Club. This facility really is setting new standards as an enormous colonial mansion has been converted into dining, fitness and entertainment venues. Energetic manager Brian Ong will welcome visitors. Penang also boasts a club in the Sheraton Hotel and a ladies only facility in the Penang Flying Club. Make sure to carry your membership card if you wish to visit any of these fabulous centers

The Annual Clark Hatch Mini-Football Tournament was postponed and scaled down owing to the grounds at Kasetsat University being flooded. Nine teams eventually managed to play on 19th June with surprise, surprise, Team Thaniya coming out winners! Well done lads!

The annual Bowling For Charity event was held on Sunday, 26th June at the RCA Bowl. Organised by Manager Urai and the Amari Atrium Hotel staff this event was well attended and besides creating a lot of fun collected Baht 27,350 for charity. And, surprise, surprise one of the Thaniya teams, ably led by Tanorm, won again. Thaniya's really on a role!
::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 to our worthy Fitness People this month!