Thomas and Uber Cup heroes have big hearts

Koo Kien Keat, the Malaysian Ambassador for the newly-launched association SOLIBAD helped to raise a sum  of 10 000 RM (2500 €) to give it to an orphanage in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. The Cheque was brought on site by Russia’s Anastasia Russkikh, while Peter Gade’s shirt and European Gold medal are still out for auction this week-end to benefit another Project launched by SOLIBAD and “Peace and Sport” in Haiti.

Before the Uber Cup final was launched on Saturday, the “Sanctuary Care Center” received a surprise guest in their shelter, in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur : SOLIBAD Ambassador from Russia Anastasia Russkikh finished up the work started by Malaysian star Koo Kien Keat. The men’s double specialist had raised some money on his side to join SOLIBAD’s effort and bring together more than 10 000 RM (2500 €) for the orphanage. And it was Anastasia who took the symbolic cheque to the Orphanage, taking the opportunity to play badminton in the street with all the kids in the shelter for a unique moment.

“This was my first assignment as an Ambassador for SOLIBAD and it was quite a striking experience. I do believe that we all badminton players can make a difference at any levels. And today, I felt like something was changing,” said the stunning blond girl, whose hair colour and friendly attitude was a definite appeal to the kids and the neighbours of the orphanage.

10 000 RM is enough for the Orphanage to sustain for 2 months for the 55 kids aged from 3 to 17 they are bringing up in their 2 rented house. The money was raised by Koo Kien Keat on his own, by selling some rackets and shirts, while the other half was raised by French clubs through actions in their leisure tournaments under the tutelage of SOLIBAD’s Global Ambassador Pi Hongyan.

On top of this nice surprise, 25 of the children were invited to watch the Uber Cup final – a first for them to enjoy high level badminton – with tickets generously given by Badminton Association of Malaysia

A Gold medal still out for auction

Apart from Taufik Hidayat, who is also an Ambassador in his home country for SOLIBAD and who had hoped to join Russkikh if he didn’t have to train for his Thomas Cup final on Sunday, another Thomas Cup hero has recently shown his big heart towards SOLIBAD and its partner Peace and Sport and another project “1000 rackets for Haiti”. Peter Gade, the leader of Danish badminton, beaten 2/3 by Malaysia in the quarter, has given one of his shirts but also a unique item – his European Gold medal for auction, with benefits going to equipment and material sent to Haiti, for kids in survivor camps.

“After the terrible disaster that struck Haiti on January 12, I really wanted to do something special for the cause and I am glad to be able to help this project.

“That’s why I am offering my European Championship Gold Medal, my shirt and the winning shuttlecock for auction. If this donation can help raise funds to send equipment to young Haitians currently living in tent cities, I will be delighted,” said the Dane, who was off on holiday with his family in Thailand after the event.

Both items are currently being auctioned which will close on Monday, May 17th at 6 PM Malaysian time.