SOLIBAD GOES INTERNATIONAL

By Mark Phelan.  Photos: BadmintonPhoto.com

Solibad is a unique entity in the world of charitable organisations as every single euro raised will go towards funding the projects identified by the foundation. Solibad has identified three initial projects as a starting point with the first project being the support of an orphanage in Bali through the funding of a computer project.

“This project in Bali is our first step on the ladder to bigger things. We want to fund and install a series of computers in the orphanage which will help educate the children who will then have the skills to go out into the world and hopefully be in a position to work for themselves and earn a living,” said Sachetat about this the foundations initial project.

The foundation, in association with ‘Peace and Sport’ will endeavour to supply 1,000 rackets and equipment to the children of Haiti in an effort to help them rebuild their lives and give them a focus away from the earthquake.

The foundation hopes that all badminton people from grass roots right up to the top professional players will get involved to make this a worldwide movement which will be unique in sport and certainly a first in badminton.

Already many small tournaments have been help by small clubs in France to raise money for the foundation and with one club raising €1,500 euro it is clear to see how possible it will be to raise funds worldwide to help the children of the world.

Speaking at the press conference Nathan Robertson said “This is such a great idea and I had no hesitation in agreeing to be an ambassador when Raphael asked me. It is so unique in sport and I feel it’s very important that badminton is the first sport to launch such an initiative.”

“The values of Solibad are so in line with my own personal values that it was easy for me to say yes when asked to be an ambassador,” said Zhou Mi.

Malaysian star Koo Kien Keat, who was visibly moved by the scenes from the orphanage in Malaysia said “I will do whatever it takes to help these children and it’s an honour for me to be involved with such a worthwhile organisation as Solibad.

Finally Taufik Hidayat, who is already an ambassador for UNICEF explained his reasons for getting involved in the project. “I am very happy and pleased to be part of Solibad and I will do whatever is needed to help and promote the foundation.”

For more information on SOLIBAD and how you can donate please visit the foundation’s website at www.solibad.net which was launched at the press conference.