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Changemakers Forum:
Entry:Sustainable Cambodian disabilty sports infrastructure supported through socially responsible corporate sponsorship
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Dear Mr. Minko:
Thank you for participating in this collaborative competition. We value the time and effort you’ve put forth and we would like to offer you feedback and some thought provoking questions from our Evaluation Team.
The initiative is innovative in the way it raises awareness of land mines and disability while also addressing the marginalization of and lack of sporting opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD). Project achievement is commendable, with significant growth since inception in 1996 and proven financial sustainability. Finally, the initiative could benefit from more focus as it attempts an all-encompassing approach for a variety of disability issues, including gender equity, landmines, health, prejudice, and job-training.
Please use this input as both potential insights into your innovations, as well as constructive ideas for how to improve or grow your organization.
Warm regards,
The Changemakers Evaluation Team
Hello! everybody,i'm munny.I hope that Cambodia will be passed this competition and i hope that cambodia national volleyball legues will get successfully for other thing that important for.
BHP Billiton Stand Up with the CNVLD
The CNVLD is proud to commence the announcements of the 2008 National League Sponsors starting with BHP Billiton who join the ranks of other leading corporate entities in support of Cambodia’s most prestigious annual sports competition.
The announcement of BHP Billiton as a team sponsor comes as the 2008 National League is closer than ever to achieving sustainability through corporate sector support and the provision of a high quality sports package. BHP Billiton now stand up alongside the likes of Siemens, DHL, Otto Bock, the Sunway Hotel, ISPP and Kingmaker who have all sponsored national league teams which provide the athletes for the world famous Cambodian National Standing Volleyball Team, currently #3 in the World.
BHP Billiton, among the world’s largest steel and mineral producers, has recently expanded their offices in Cambodia and the sponsorship of a National League team is a component of the company’s corporate social responsibility policy.
At the core of this policy is “Our objective is to minimise potential negative social impacts while maximising the opportunities and benefits for our host communities. In order to achieve this outcome, we engage in a range of sustainable development and community relations activities, including: building social and human capital through community development and community investment programs. Our aim is to place local people at the centre of development by building their capacity to control their own development.”
The CNVLD thanks BHP Billiton for their support and looks forward to the start of the 2008 National League Season.
BHP Billiton and the CNVLD:
Standing Up together for the Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.
The World’s Largest Diversified Resources Company announces sponsorship of the CNVLD
The CNVLD is proud to commence the announcements of the 2008 National League Sponsors starting with BHP Billiton who join the ranks of other leading corporate entities in support of Cambodia’s most prestigious annual sports competition.
The announcement of BHP Billiton as a team sponsor comes as the 2008 National League is closer than ever to achieving sustainability through corporate sector support and the provision of a high quality sports package. BHP Billiton now stand up alongside the likes of Siemens, DHL, Otto Bock, the Sunway Hotel, ISPP and Kingmaker who have all sponsored national league teams which provide the athletes for the world famous Cambodian National Standing Volleyball Team, currently #3 in the World.
BHP Billiton, the world’s largest diversified resources company, has recently increased their presence in Cambodia and the sponsorship of a National League team is a component of the company’s corporate social responsibility policy.
At the core of the company’s policy is their objective is to minimise potential negative social impacts while maximising the opportunities and benefits for their host communities. In order to achieve this outcome, BHP Billiton engages in a range of sustainable development and community relations activities, including: building social and human capital through community development and community investment programs. The conpany aims to place local people at the centre of development by building their capacity to control their own development.”
The CNVLD thanks BHP Billiton for their support and looks forward to the start of the 2008 National League Season.
BHP Billiton and the CNVLD:
Standing Up together for the Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.
The CNVLD: A successful methodology – the key to the internationally recognised role model of the CNVLD
The focus point: The athletes with a disability of Cambodia
The key to the success of the CNVLD sports and development programs is the core focus on the direct ongoing relationship; with, to, and between, the CNVLD athletes and the CNVLD management
The key strength of the CNVLD is the long term commitment, by the CNVLD, to every individual athlete as they go through the intensive physical rehabilitation of CNVLD sports programs along with the subtle, yet intensive sports led social rehabilitation programs of the CNVLD.
The CNVLD is not a short term esoteric social experiment designed in a developed nation and imposed on the developing nation: The CNVLD, working within Cambodian frameworks, makes a long term commitment to the wellbeing and personal development of each and every athlete of the CNVLD within a highly disciplined team sports training and international standard competition framework.
Often the true success of the CNVLD can only be identified after years of intensive and ongoing nuturing of an individual’s abilities acknowledging their often tragic past and difficult current circumstances and assisting the PWD to overcome the legacy of the landmine and their disability through programs of disciplined sports training leading to the improved self esteem + wellbeing of the CNVLD athlete.
The CNVLD recognize that this can often be a complex and time consuming process as the below case example of Mr Cha Hok, shows, and that this component of the CNVLD’s work , which is of utmost importance, is oft unrecognized by donors including a lack of recognition that the rehabilitation process of an individual can very often not conform to a donors timeframe or be quantified within a strict donor funding framework – It is essential that donors recognised the very complex nature of rehabilitation within the disability sector and the methodology behind activities of the CNVLD ; working with some of the most marginalized of Cambodian society acknowledging factors such as a high level of illiteracy and low income (poverty) level of PWD’s within the CNVLD’s program – This development process also takes place each time when the CNVLD starts a new wheelchair club – Each club is allowed to evolve within the local circumstances, giving individuals encouragement and time to confront the many issues related to a disciplined team sports program acknowledging that this process, often takes, with each individual CNVLD athlete; many weeks, many months and even many years, as shown below by the case study:
A Case Study:
Mr Cha Hok: CNVLD Volleyball League Coach + Captain – Kampong Speu Kangaroos
Cha Hok joined the program in 1999 as a good player but with little self discipline and an enormous set of personal problems including carrying the costs of raising 11 children. An ex solider landmine survivor amputee, Hok reached the National Volleyball team and participated in the 2001 World Cup in Slovakia where unfortunately a number of disciplinary problems arose with Hok resulting in his expulsion from the league for one season. After his dismissal from the league Hok was sent into monkhood at his local temple for a 6 month period by his family (wife) and subsequently returned as an athlete member as part of the Kampong Speu Kangaroos Volleyball League team in 2003. With his new found exemplary behavior, both on and off court, Hok became coach of the Kangaroos in 2004 and in 2005 won the National League Best Coaches Award.
Hok is now regarded as one of the senior elders of the league and is the most respected Volleyball league coach. Hok was appointed National Team Manager of the 2007 Cambodian Volleyball World Cup Team and will shortly commence full time employment as driver of a special custom made ANZ Royal Tuk Tuk being donated by ANZ Royal.
This success story and the methodology, of which applies to all CNVLD athletes, is the result of 9 years of focused CNVLD team work with Cha Hok and the input and commitment of an extraordinary individual; Cha Hok, and is the essence of the proactive ability of team sport programs to develop civil society and showcases the effectiveness of the CNVLD approach: a long term genuine commitment to the betterment of the lives of Cambodians with a disability through programs of team sport
Note: Every single athlete that has been dismissed from the CNVLD league for a season has returned as a much better athlete and as a more responsible individual
John Vink / Magnum World Cup Slide Show on New Ka-Set Website
Internationally renowned Magnum photographer John Vink has posted a stunning World Cup photo essay on Cambodia’s newest and leading French-Khmer language website Ka-Set.
See the slide show on Ka-Set
http://ka-set.info/actualites/k7-media/coupe-du-monde-volley-handicapes.html
The CNVLD - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
2008 ANZ-CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix to be launched Friday 28th March
The 2008 ANZ –CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix will be officially launched by ANZ Royal staff and the Battambang Women’s Racing Team on Friday 28th March at the ANZ Royal Head Office in Phnom Penh.
After a successful 2007 which saw three races and one new team established, the CNVLD is proud to announce the continuation of ANZ Royal Bank sponsorship for 2008. The Battambang Women’s Racing Team will visit Phnom Penh for a series of publicity events including meeting all the ANZ Head Office Staff on Friday 29th March.
All ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie athletes are now hard in training for the first competition on 3 May 2008, where 33 competitors will battle it out over 100m on Okhna Suor Srun St. for the title of fastest athlete in Cambodia.
The CNVLD is also pleased to announce that the Battambang Women’s Racing Team will be the first ever Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia to have their training subsidies and competition prize monies paid directly into specially-opened ANZ Royal bank accounts in Battambang. Furthering their position as Cambodia’s leader in Corporate Social Responsibility, ANZ Royal will provide a special briefing to the athletes who have never had bank accounts before.
In the future, all CNVLD athletes (including volleyball athletes) will have ANZ Royal bank accounts into which their training subsidies, coaches salaries and prize monies will be transferred. Through such innovative schemes, the CNVLD will continue to lead the way in Disability Sports Development and financial transparency in cooperation with the nation’s leading financial institution.
The Battambang Women’s Racing Team will be riding around Phnom Penh between Thursday 28th and Sunday 30th March. Watch out for them!
The CNVLD and ANZ Royal Bank:
Standing Up together for the Wheelchair Racing Athletes of Cambodia
CNVLD to Take On CTN Kickboxers in Volleyball Game
CTN, Cambodia’s most popular TV station has risen to the CNVLD’s three year old Standing Challenge – Can any able-bodied teams defeat a CNVLD team?
On Monday 7th April, the CTN kickboxing team will take on the Takeo ISPP Falcons in a showdown at the CTN studios in Phnom Penh which will be filmed for later broadcast. After the game, the CTN kickboxers, famous around the country due to televised fights every Sunday, will show the volleyball athletes a few moves in the ring!
The CNVLD wishes to thank CTN for Standing Up to the challenge and wishes their team the best of luck………they’ll need it!
CTN and the CNVLD:
Standing Up together to promote the Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia
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C Minko: CNVLD - Cambodia
GOOD Video Magazine film documentary on CNVLD
The CNVLD was honoured last weekend to host a special documentary film crew from the GOOD Video Magazine based in New York, USA who focused on the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix and the Standing Volleyball National League programmes.
GOOD Video Magazine is the leading online production of documentaries focusing on social justice issues and the CNVLD is exceptionally proud to have been selected as a subject for a documentary.
On Saturday morning, the crew focused on the ANZ CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix where 9 athletes, including the Battambang Women’s Racing Team, were training at Hun Sen Park. After filming the 100m heats, the GOOD Video team were treated to a display of acrobatic chairs by all the athletes whose agility in their Angkor Racers allows them to perform multiple 360 degree turns just on their back wheels. Three athletes with the most interesting stories were then selected for extended interviews
The GOOD team then moved to the International School Phnom Penh Sports Centre to film a special exhibition game between the Takeo ISPP Falcons and the Kompong Speu Kangaroos and interview the athletes.
The CNVLD wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the GOOD Video team for their exceptional professionalism and interest in the CNVLD’s sporting programmes. We look forward to seeing the finished product!
GOOD Video Magazine and the CNVLD:
Standing Up to promote Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia
Battambang Women’s Racing Team wow Phnom Penh
The ANZ Royal CNVLD Battambang Women’s Racing Team visited Phnom Penh this weekend for four days of training and publicity raising activities.
The Battambang team joined the Phnom Penh Racing Team on Friday and Saturday mornings for intensive 100m training sessions in preparation for the first race of the year on 3 May 2008. Resplendent in their ANZ Royal t-shirts, the team drew an admiring crowd of early morning exercisers as they sped over the 100m course.
After launching the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix 2008 at the ANZ Royal Kramuon Sar Branch, the Battambang Women’s Team visited Independence Monument Park for evening training along with the hundreds of Cambodians out for their evening exercise before going for dinner at Psah Kapko where the owners put on a special spread for their honoured customers.
On Saturday a film team from the GOOD Video Magazine filmed the mornings training and interviewed three of the athletes for a special documentary about the CNVLD. The team then visited the International School Phnom Penh Sports Centre to watch a special exhibition volleyball game between the Takeo ISPP Falcons and the Kompong Speu Kangaroos.
The highlight for the Battambang Women’s racing Team came on Saturday evening with a special visit to Wat Phnom for photos and an evening roll followed by a visit to Phnom Penh’s famous Night Market. The whole team loved the stalls and were greeted with a warm welcome by all the vendors, many of whom gave them special discounts on jewellery, clothing, bags and even hand drawn portraits.
After a final farewell dinner, the team requested the CNVLD to thank ANZ Royal for the strength of their commitment to the Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia and vowed to be in the top places for the upcoming first race of the year on 3 May.
ANZ Royal and the CNVLD: Standing Up Together for Corporate Social Responsibility in Support of the Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.
Battambang Women’s Racing Team open ANZ Royal bank accounts
The CNVLD is proud to announce the opening of ANZ Royal Bank accounts for the five athletes from the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix Battambang Women’s Racing Team. Now, for the first time, Cambodian Athletes with a Disability will have their training and competition subsidies and prize monies paid directly into their new accounts, providing transparency to the highest levels and setting new standards of integration.
The accounts for the five athletes were established following their visit to Phnom Penh to officially launch the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix 2008 and discussions with the ANZ Royal Community Liaison Department. On their return to Battambang, the athletes then visited the ANZ Royal Bank Battambang Branch where they were met by the Branch Manager. Having provided the necessary information, all further formalities were undertaken through personal home visits to the athletes by ANZ Royal Bank; a strong reflection of the extent of ANZ Royal Bank’s commitment to customer service.
The level of welcome and service provided to the athletes is directly in line with ANZ Royal Bank’s position as the banking sector’s leader in Corporate Social Responsibility in Cambodia and globally. The recent ANZ Royal Corporate Responsibility Summary Report 2007 states that “research conducted over several years has consistently shown a strong link between socio-economic status and levels of financial literacy and inclusion”
In Cambodia, the advent of international standard banking through ANZ Royal Bank has important socio-economic impacts, especially for persons with a disability. For many, isolation and prejudice are everyday realities, and financial independence very difficult to achieve. For all Cambodian citizens, improved financial literacy and inclusion through establishing bank accounts also serves to break down the influence of informal systems such as money lending and loan sharking which are especially prevalent in rural areas. Huge rates of interest levied through these systems have a negative effect on individual’s abilities to effectively manage their limited finances. In addition, bank accounts also provide increased financial security through ensuring that individuals’ assets are not stored at home.
The CNVLD will, through the course of 2008-2009, work in close cooperation with ANZ Royal Bank to ensure that as many ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix athletes and National Volleyball League athletes as possible open ANZ Royal Bank accounts and that all payments are made direct to these accounts. Through the process, the CNVLD is setting new standards in transparency for NGOs, providing new customers to ANZ Royal Bank and improving the financial literacy and inclusion of its athletes.
The CNVLD and ANZ Royal Bank:
Standing Up Together to promote financial literacy and inclusion for the Athletes with a Disability of
CTN broadcast CNVLD entry in Nike Changemakers competition
CTN, Cambodia’s largest TV network, recently broadcast the CNVLD entry in the Nike Changemakers Sport for a Better World competition with stunning footage of the 2007 WOVD Cambodia Volleyball World Cup.
Follow the below links to watch the CNVLD / CTN stories on You Tube
Cambodian Volleyball on National TV Part One http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEkFkmeAXwA
Cambodian Volleyball on National TV Part Two http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtBqxZYLQzQ
Both feature excellent footage of the 2007 WOVD World Cup.
CNVLD invited to participate in prestigious Shafallah Conference
The CNVLD has been honoured with an invitation to participate in the highly prestigious Shafallah Center’s International Forum 2008 on Sport and Ability in Doha, Qatar in April.
The International Forum 2008 is to be hosted by the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Missned, chaired by Hassan Ali Bin Ali and co-chaired by Cherie Blair.
The forum will explore how sport and the promotion of ability can be expanded to reach all members of our globally aware society and how sport, recreation and cultural activities promote global unity, social inclusion, acceptance and skill acquisition and friendships.
The current effects of these programs and the future direction for how sport and ability can be expanded to reach all members of our society will be a central focus of the forum.
CNVLD Secretary General Chris Minko will be formally represented at the Shafallah Forum by CNVLD Sports Programs Manager Neil Wilford who will honour the invitation by making a exhibition presentation on the CNVLD’s work on Sport and Development in Cambodia.
The CNVLD extends its deepest gratitude and highest respect to the Shafallah Center and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Missned for inviting Cambodia’s leading disability sports organisation to make a presentation at this exceptionally prestigious event, and looks forward to working with the world’s leading sports and development experts during the conference.
Visit the Shafallah Center website to find out more about the International Forum 2008.
New report spotlights cooperation between business and sport
A new report “Shared Goals through Sport” published by the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) emphasises the huge opportunity for sport to address development issues in partnership with the corporate sector.
The report findings have been backed by Nike, Standard Chartered and UK Sport who all see the immense benefits sport can bring through effecting positive social change.
Since 2003, the CNVLD has strongly advocated the benefits of engaging the corporate sector in sporting programmes in support of marginalized social groups and “Shared Goals through Sport” highlights how this approach is now being formally embraced by leading international businesses.
Following the Magglingen Call for Action in 2005 , the CNVLD was awarded the United Nations International Year of Sport Award for Best practices Sport and Development and earlier this year was selected as a Finalist in the Nike-Changemakers Sport for a Better World Competition.
The CNVLD is proud that the efficacy of its model, now in the seventh year of implementation, has been recognized by the industry’s leading players and that Cambodia continues to be on the cutting edge of international sports and development.
Read the Shared Goals through Sport report on the International Platform for Sport and Development
The CNVLD: Standing Up for Shared Goals through Sport in partnership with the corporate sector
ANZ Royal Stand Up for Corporate Social Responsibility
ANZ Royal Bank has once again proved their leadership in Cambodian Corporate Sector Responsibility through the sponsorship of a custom-made tuk-tuk for the organisation to be driven by ANZ Royal CNVLD Head Wheelchair Coach Kon Kang.
Kon Kang is Cambodia’s greatest wheelchair racing athlete. He first started training in 1997, ten years after losing both legs to a landmine in Battambang province. In 2003, he joined the CNVLD Racing Wheelchair programme and quickly became the top racer. His reputation and performances were enhanced with the development of the ANZ-Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix in 2007 where he consistently won every race he entered.
Carefully saving his prize money, Kang bought himself a tuk-tuk and became self – employed, driving locals and tourists as well as CNVLD staff around Phnom Penh. His tuk-tuk also became an invaluable tool for transporting athletes with a disability between training and races.
Kang driving a tuk-tuk full of wheelchair athletes around the Olympic Stadium became one of the sights of the 2007 WOVD Standing Volleyball World Cup and even became a feature in Germany’s leading disability magazine
In January 2008, as Kang and his elite team were training at 5am in the morning, his tuk-tuk was stolen along with his clothes, crutches and prosthesis stored inside. A distraught Kang arrived at the CNVLD office unable to get out of his racing chair without crutches or a leg. The CNVLD immediately organised for him to travel to the ICRC Regional Rehabilitation Centre in Kompong Speu where he received a brand new prosthesis.
The CNVLD is pleased to announce that ANZ Royal Bank will sponsor a custom Wheelie Grand Prix tuk-tuk to be used by the organisation and driven by Kon Kang, a strong demonstration of their commitment to encouraging employment of persons with a disability through sport.
The ANZ Wheelie special will have a special gear shift to allow for Kang’s missing left leg and will sport the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix livery. Currently in the design process, the new tuk-tuk will be unveiled to the media and handed over in a special ceremony at the ANZ Royal headquarters in Phnom Penh.
The CNVLD wishes to thank ANZ Royal for supporting opportunity for Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.
ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix 2008 Gets Rolling
After a post-season rest following the Volleyball World Cup, the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix 2008 has got rolling with athletes in 6 clubs across Cambodia in training for the first race of the year.
All athletes are now in training for the Wheelie Grand Prix 2008 First Round to be held in Phnom Penh on Saturday 3 May 2008. Prior to the race the Battambang Womens Racing Team and the Phnom Penh teams will join together for a special training and publicity weekend.
For three days the athletes will undergo intensive morning trainings, visit ANZ Royal branches in Phnom Penh and visit many of Phnom Penh’s famous landmarks as well as touring the city to raise awareness of the Wheelie Grand Prix.
Later in the season, the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix will roll into Bavet in Svay Rieng province near the Cambodia – Vietnam border for the Second Round Race to coincide with the opening of the latest branch of ANZ Royal Bank.
ANZ Royal and the CNVLD: Standing Up for Cambodian Athletes with a Disability
On behalf of the CNVLD, the athletes with a Disability and Cambodia, we wish to congratulate the Changemaker Sports for a Better World Winners / convey a special thanks to NIKE + Ashoka and we very much look forward to staying in contact with our many new colleagues from the wonderful world of sport and development - Also our thanks goes to all those who made the effort to get to the internet cafes here in Cambodia + worldwide - to cast your vote for Cambodia - appreciated ! - Chris Minko - Phnom Penh
In my opinion, I can say that Cambodia is develping in both economic and sports. It will be proud if Cambodia will win the final competition. Moreover, the cambodian dasability athletes are trying very hard to win some partners from another countries since the first competition. I wish and absolutely expected that Cambodia will win the next competition and trying harder to get the champion.
Hi Pinputhisal - Great to get some Cambodian feedback and appreciate your words - I too, fully agree with your statements that Cambodia is making real and signficant progress both economically and in the field of sports development particually in recognition of the key role sport plays within the rehabilitation process of a person with a disability - forwards as always, as we say here at the CNVLD ! - please stay in contact and keep an eye on the www.standupcambodia.org website - best - Chris
heya,
used to be a kid in Phnom Penh and every sunday my dad and a load of his work friends from work used to play volleyball. and we had this chance to play with these people and despite having arms and legs missing they were incredible! so seeing them reach this amazing level in international sport is fantastic! whoop!
Hey Ken - great mail - I am assuming you must have been to ISPP and played against the Takeo Falcons in one of the friendly's against ISPP students - really pleased you are following the guys progress - they have come far - No 3 now - only a hop, step and a jump away from that No 1 in the world - stay in contact ! - best - Chris
CNVLD Announces Annual National Disability Awards
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting the Rights of Persons with a Disability, the CNVLD is proud to announce the inaugural CNVLD Annual National Disability Awards recognising commitment to accessibility and support in the Cambodian corporate sector.
After signing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability in October 2007, the Cambodian Government recently passed its domestic disability law.
Rising investment in Cambodia has also led to rapid urban development in the capital Phnom Penh. In response to Cambodia’s changing landscape, the CNVLD National Disability Awards aim to encourage local corporate sector social responsibility in Disability Rights and Access.
The 2008 CNVLD National Disability Awards will be presented for:
• Best Access: Hotel /Hospitality
• Best Access: Retail
• Best Access: Educational Institute
• Best Access: Restaurant
• Best Employer
• Best Corporate Support for Disability Rights
The CNVLD will assess the disability friendliness of some of Cambodia’s leading businesses based on a number of criteria including accessibility (entrances, steps, ramps, lifts, helpfulness / understanding of staff, use of facilities), positive employment and support for disability issues.
The inaugural 2008 CNVLD National Disability Awards winners will be announced on 1st September 2008. Category winners will be presented their awards along with the year’s best athletes by H.E Ith Sam Heng Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Veteran’s Rehabilitation at the 2008 National Volleyball League Finals at the Olympic Stadium at the end of September 2008.
Award winners will receive unique a Cambodian trophy produced from destroyed AK-47s by Armed Art and a framed certificate. Award winners will also be provided stickers to promote their Accessibility Friendly’ status in their premises. Each winner will also be specially profiled on the CNVLD website.
The CNVLD National Disability Awards:
Standing Up for Disability Access and Rights in Cambodia
Hey Chris-
Congrats on being a finalist. I work with another program at Ashoka called the Citizen Base Initiative (www.citizenbase.org). Our aim is to inspire organizations to think creatively about marketing, mobilizing resources, income generation and partnerships to create a strong 'citizen base' like a 'fan base' for a sports team or the way a community supports a church with volunteer time, skills, and goods leading to sustainability.
You mention "lack of sporting opportunities, equipment, and facilities" as well as a general focus on working with ADA's as main barriers to continued growth.
A couple examples to spark thoughts:
Audela in Argentina has creative marketing methods which include a restaurant that requires patrons to eat blindfolded in a way to increase awareness for the blind. http://www.citizenbase.org/audela
SPVS in Brazil has some lessons learned in forming corporate partnerships http://www.citizenbase.org/clovis
Two other quick thoughts--
Is there potential to form partnerships/exchanges with University or Club teams in the U.S. or Europe? i.e. using the star power of those great athletes and the popularity of volleyball in Cambodia for great marketing.
How about the potential of running tournaments for the non-disabled side by side and facilitating cross-overs in volunteers, and perhaps charging entrants in the nondisabled tournaments to finance the tournaments of land-mine victims?
Do you need a tournament mascot? You might consider collaborating with Ashoka fellow Bart Weetjens with his mine-sniffing rats.
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/tanzania605/interview_weetjens.html
http://ashoka.org/node/3845
Best wishes
soom sok sapbaay taam phlow
Dave
Hi Dave
Appreciate the reply and the congratulations and again our congrats to all the changemakers - an excellent forum of exchange indeed - appreciate the ideas and will look into your recommended sites
A few notes / Examples of the CNVLD approach: We have an excellent relationship with the German University of sports who provide us with expert Advisors of the highest calibre resulting in the training of 25 + intentional standard Cambodian coaches -local training is an essential component of all CNVLD programs
Currently, Cambodia is in a rather unique position regarding sport / sports development and sports reform
The able bodied sports programs are undergoing a much need overhaul and reform through successful partnerships with sporting Advisors from Germany, Korea, Australia China and many other nations who are assisting in developing Cambodia sports federations and international standard competitions and athletes preparations
It is nationally recognised that the Cambodian athletes with a disability are the nations true sporting heroes - made even more remarkable as it is the landmine survivors of Cambodia who are bring home medals on the international sporting stage
Fortunately as Cambodia recovers we are finding a stronger level of interest from the corporate sector in supporting Cambodian disability sports development
A good example, below, of how we work is our approach / relationship with the ANZ Royal Bank who support the CNVLD wheelchair Racing Program
Social Responsibility – It’s a two way street
From concept to reality to corporate sustainability in just three years, the CNVLD – ANZ Royal Wheelie Grand Prix programme is demonstrating that long-term partnership between local sports organisations and the corporate sector can be an effective path to sustainable sports development.
The CNVLD is the premier disability sports organisation in Cambodia, implementing the first and only National Wheelchair Racing programme, with a special focus on women and persons with a severe disability. The CNVLD also implements the internationally-recognised Cambodian National Volleyball League.
ANZ- Royal Bank, the Cambodian subsidiary of ANZ Bank and one of Australia’s leading corporate entities, first opened in Cambodia in 2005 and has since taken a majority share of the market.
Through a successful, award winning template based on a clear formula, the CNVLD has undertaken the responsibility to deliver a high quality sporting product initially developed with international partners, including AusAID, the German National Olympic Federation, the Australian Business Volunteer (ABV) programme, and complemented by the local design and manufacture of the first Cambodian racing wheelchair.
CNVLD Secretary – General Mr. Christopher Minko explains; “We didn’t approach a corporate entity – ANZ Royal Bank – until we knew we had an international standard quality sports product that is commercially attractive, due to the media coverage of elite-level sport, along with the additional benefit of the sponsor being recognised as a socially responsible corporate citizen”
A key element to this formula is the CNVLD’s ‘We do not want charity’ approach in recognition that donor funding is a time-limited resource. As Minko points out “the CNVLD approach is light years ahead of the ‘cap in hand’ mentality”. Sport has immense potential to instigate social change in particular by building the discipline necessary for employment creation.
Sport as a catalyst for social change in post-conflict nations is an exceptionally valuable tool when issues such as a culture of violence, weak social cohesion, high unemployment, disaffected youth and a high percentage of disability per capita can threaten to undermine efforts to bring about stability. However, the strength of sport in this context lies in its apolitical status and one of the CNVLD’s greatest successes has been its ability to bring together former foes in the sports arena.
Peter Bartu, Ph.D. from the International and Area Studies Department of the University of California at Berkeley, and who has studied the CNVLD at length, argues that
“The unique and unrivalled power of sport to bridge social and political divides is becomingly increasingly recognised within the post-conflict development paradigm. Sport can be utilised as a building block within the complex and extended processes of national reconciliation, peace-building, demobilisation, reintegration and veteran’s rehabilitation.
As a sustainable civil society initiative, inclusive national sports programmes serve a multitude of functions from improving individual and national self-esteem and health to a means for post-conflict nations to re-enter the political and economic international community.”
The CNVLD’s success and ANZ –Royal Bank’s support for the Wheelie Grand Prix makes this a pioneering partnership in the field of sports and development and will further assist Cambodia in its quest to become the ASEAN Centre for Disability Sports.
A spokesperson for ANZ Royal said that “ANZ Royal’s support for CNVLD Wheelchair Racing is the company’s way of showing its commitment to uplifting the local community through sports. ANZ Royal firmly believes in the ability of sports to instil in individuals the drive to be their best and the value of teamwork. For this reason, the public is certain to see ANZ Royal becoming even more actively involved in sports in Cambodia.”
With thanks for the mail - ....and don’t to forget to vote for Cambodia!
Best from Phnom Penh -
Kevin Carroll
Changemakers Featured Commentator
Sport for a Better World Competition
This is a really great effort. What you are hoping to accomplish, how you are going to create inclusion, and your goals are all wonderful. I like that you will use various sports activities and that you will be honoring people for their unique physical endeavors and efforts. I applaud you!
You mention that your main barrier is “the inability of Aid and Development Agencies to successfully broker agreements with corporate sector in support of local socio-economic development.” I wondered what your approach is to gaining an audience with the ADAs and/or potential corporate sponsors. Have you had a chance to talk with them? Be relentless in your efforts to reach out to them and show them the impact your program is having on the local level. Be the “squeaky wheel” with your message of inclusiveness. How do you become that undeniable truth that they can’t ignore?
ISPP Fun Run makes the Falcons Fly!
Students, staff and parents at the Annual ISPP Fun Run for a Landmine Free Cambodia successfully raised over US$5000 on Saturday 18th February to sponsor the Takeo ISPP Falcons volleyball team
Over 100 International School of Phnom Penh students, staff and parents participated in the 2008 Annual Fun Run at the ISPP Sport Field in Phnom Penh with runners being sponsored for every lap they sucessfully completed. All funds raised went towards supporting the Takeo ISPP Falcons and also continuing the external renovations at the Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre.
Two of the ANZ Royal CNVLD Wheelchair Racers also took part in the Fun Run completing over 30 laps of the course. The Falcons ran in both the junior and the senior races which were covered by local media from TV9 and Rasmei Kampuchea Newspaper. The Falcons were also interviewed by the ISPP Landmine Group video project; group of five students producing a video documentary focusing on ISPP’s cooperation with the CNVLD and its impact on Persons with a Disability.
In 2007, the Falcons proved how hard they had been training in the off-season by coming joint second in the National League after only posting 11th in 2006. The Falcon’s soaring achievements were down to their great team work and spirit. Falcons Coach Meas Sabon has been the catalyst for the strong team spirit and was presented with the 2007 National League Best Coach trophy by the ISPP Landmine Group at the Fun Run for his success.
The ISPP Fun Run successfully raised over $5000 in one morning which covers the training, equipment and competition costs for the Takeo Falcons for the 2008 National League Season. In May, the Falcons and the ISPP Volleyball Team will take each other on in a special tournament at ISPP to raise awareness of landmine and disabality issues at the school. After three years undefeated, the CNVLD challenge remains - Is there an able-bodied team that can defeat a CNVLD team?
Next years Fun Run looks to be the biggest ever with the extra events planned such as volleyball match against the Falcons and wheelchair races.
Coach Meas Sabon addressed the students, parents and staff at the end of the event stressing how grateful his entire team were for the support from ISPP. On behalf of the Falcons, the CNVLD also thanks ISPP for their fantastic fund raising efforts in support of Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.
The CNVLD and ISPP:
Standing Up together in support of Athletes with a Disability of Cambodia
"Congratulations from Cambodia to ALL Changemakers"
The CNVLD is honoured this week to have been announced as Finalists in the Nike-Changemakers Sport for a Better World Competition.
Selected by the judges out of 382 entries from 69 countries, the CNVLD is the only Cambodian + ASEAN region entry to have been announced as one of 16 Finalists by Nike, the world’s leading sports apparel manufacturer and Changemakers, the world’s leading social innovation and collaboration organisation.
However, the CNVLD wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate all the changemakers, individuals and organisations for the many excellent concepts and exciting sports + development projects underway throughout the globe.
We also offer our congratulations to Ashoka and Nike, for this excellent initiative.
We here in Cambodia, very much look forward to maintaining constructive and creative dialouge with the many new partners we have been linked with, through the Changemakers process.
Yours in Sports for a Better World
Chris
(Christopher Minko)
The CNVLD - Phnom Penh
ICBL Takes on Cluster Munitions
In December 2006, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines decided to engage extensively in
the global effort to prohibit cluster munitions. This marks the first time that ICBL has become
significantly engaged on an issue other than antipersonnel mines.
The main reasons for the ICBL’s decision were:
1. Cluster munitions inevitably end up leaving behind large numbers of unexploded ‘duds’ which
behave essentially like antipersonnel mines
2. Many ICBL members have been already working extensively on cluster munitions
3. International efforts to achieve a global ban on cluster munitions are at a crucial point, a point
where the ICBL can have a meaningful impact.
In February 2007, the ICBL formally joined the Steering Committee of the Cluster Munitions Coalition
(CMC) – the coalition of NGOs that is leading civil society’s campaign to ban cluster munitions. Since
then the ICBL has been actively participating in the so called Oslo Process aimed at concluding a
treaty banning cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, by 2008.
While taking a more active role on cluster munitions, the ICBL is not changing its basic mandate or
call. The major focus of ICBL’s work will remain on antipersonnel mines and full universalization and
implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty.
At the same time we believe that combining work on mines and cluster munitions is natural from the
perspective of affected communities and could serve to invigorate some ICBL member activities, and
create new opportunities that would benefit both areas of work.
More information on the ICBL’s engagement on cluster munitions is available under the links below:
* Belgrade Conference of States Affected by Cluster Munitions, 2-4 October 2007
http://www.icbl.org/news/belgrade_closing
http://www.icbl.org/news/belgrade_opening_pr
* Lima Conference on Cluster Munitions, 21-23 May 2007
http://www.icbl.org/news/2007septnewsletter_oslo
http://www.icbl.org/news_on_front/limafinalpr
http://www.icbl.org/news/cmc_press_final
* Regional Forum on Cluster Munitions in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh, 15 March 2007
http://www.icbl.org/news/cluster_forum_pp
http://www.icbl.org/news/ppclusters
* Oslo Conference on Cluster Munitions, 21-23 February 2007
http://www.icbl.org/news/cmc_pr
http://www.icbl.org/news/oslopr2
* ICBL welcomes Norway’s call to negotiate a treaty banning cluster munitions, 16 November 2006
http://www.icbl.org/news/clustersban
---------------------------------------------------
An ICBL sub site devoted to cluster munitions is under construction
and will be running by the end of 2007.
To find out more about the ICBL’s engagement on cluster munitions
please contact: Kasia Derlicka, Advocacy and Campaigning Officer,
Ohne Beine im Leben stehen
***
Vor mir teilt sich der Strassenverkehr. Wie Brandungswellen schwappt diese inhomogene Masse aus Menschen, Tieren, Fahrzeugen und Gestank durch die Strassen von Phnom Penh. Manchmal scheint alles zu erstarren, aber es geht trotzdem weiter. Verantwortlich dafür ist mein Tuktuk-Fahrer Kann, der Lücken schafft, wo keine sind. Diese Fähigkeit ist bei diesen Fahrern allgemein verbreitet, aber Kann ist trotzdem ein einzigartiges Exemplar.
Ich habe ihn vor zwei Jahren zum ersten Mal getroffen. Es war vier Uhr früh, stockdunkel und ich stand unter einer Lampe am Stadtrand von Phnom Penh. Um diese Zeit trainiert eines der Rennrollstuhlteams, aber vorerst war es nur dunkel und ich hatte mich auf einen Ameisenhaufen gesetzt, was ich mangels Licht nicht gesehen hatte, aber bald zu spüren bekam. Dann näherten sich sehr schnell einige Gluehwürmchen. Es waren die Stirnlampen der Rennfahrer, die mit lautem Geschrei an mir vorbeirasten. Mit einem schnellen Sprung auf mein Fahrrad konnte ich ihnen folgen und ihre Runden begleiten. An der Spitze fuhr Kann, tiefgebückt und nicht einzuholen.
Kann ist in jungen Jahren auf eine Landmine getreten und hat beide Beine verloren, das linke am Oberschenkel und das rechte unter dem Knie. Mit einer Unterschenkelprothese und zwei Krücken lernt er zu laufen und nimmt sein verändertes Leben auf. Trotz allem kommt er weiter, hat eine Familie und zwei Kinder. Als die Cambodian National Volleyball League Disabled (CNVLD) neben dem Standing Volleyball für Behinderte auch Rennrolstuhlteams gründet, ist Kann eines der ersten Mitglieder. Seine Begeisterung und sein Elan reissen andere mit. Bei den diversen Rennen in Kambodscha ist er immer ganz vorne und bekommt so immer wieder Preisgelder. Die spart er für ein ganz persönliches Ziel – die Anschaffung eines Tuktuks.
Motorrad fährt er bereits; er hat sich seine Maschine links mit einem Handschalthebel versehen und rechts kann er mit der Prothese bremsen. Die Krücken klemmt er unter den Arm. So fährt er auch immer wieder in Schulen um zu zeigen, dass man auch ohne Beine ein Motorrad fahren kann. Als genug Geld zusammengekommen ist, kauft er den Anhänger für die Passagiere in einer Tuktukfabrik in Phnom Penh. Davor kommt das modifizierte Motorrad. Ab sofort verdient er seinen Lebensunterhalt in der Menge der Tuktukfahrer auf den Strassen der Hauptstadt und die Mehrzahl seiner Kunden nehmen den Unterschied garnicht wahr. Natürlich kann man sehen, dass ein Bein fehlt, aber man sitzt unter dem Dach und der Mann dort vorne teilt die Fluten des Verkehrs, wie gute Fahrer das eben tun. Und von Zeit zu Zeit nimmt er den Helm ab, um mit seinem Handy neue Aufträge anzunehmen.
Jeden Morgen bei Dunkelheit ist Kann mit seinen Rennern auf der Strasse und trainiert. Mittlerweile ist er der Cheftrainer geworden und bringt jüngere Leute zur Spitze. Aber wenn er selbst die Greifringe seines Rollstuhls mit den dicken Handschuhen antreibt, ist er in der Regel immer noch der schnellste. Und bei Sonnenaufgang wartet sein Tuktuk am Ufer des Mekong und es geht auf anderen Rädern weiter. Immer weiter.
Phnom Penh, im Dezember 2007
Ein World Cup in Phnom Penh
November/Dezember 2007
***
Das Tosen klingt noch immer nach. Dieses begeisterte Gebrüll aus Hunderten von Kehlen, das sich immer noch steigert, auch wenn es schon fast schmerzt. Vor einigen Stunden ist der World Cup für Standing Volleyball in Phnom Penh/Kambodscha zu Ende gegangen, aber die unglaubliche Stimmung schwingt in allen Beteiligten noch nach. Der deutsche Botschafter hatte seine Mannschaft nach ihrem Sieg über die Slowakei zu sich eingeladen und die kambodschanische Mannschaft ebenso. Sie haben Platz drei erreicht und ebenfalls eine Medaille erkämpft. Mit den Deutschen verbindet sie eine echte Freundschaft und dieser Abend zeigt das ganz deutlich. Wir essen gut und geniessen es, dass diesmal die Reden vor dem Dinner ausgefallen sind. Es ist schon sehr spät und gegen Mitternacht verlasse ich diese entspannte Feier. Müde schleiche ich auf dem alten Fahrrad heim und schaue auf zwei sehr bewegte Wochen zurück.
Bei meiner Ankunft gerate ich direkt in einen Hexenkessel. Der Countdown für den World Cup ist schon ganz weit unten und der Stresspegel entsprechend hoch. Es ist ja nicht nur ein Ereignis unter anderen, sondern der erste World Cup in Kambodscha überhaupt. Fünf Nationen werden als Gäste erwartet – die Kambodschaner sind ja schon da. Die Regierung und das ganze Land schauen zu und sie schauen ganz genau hin. Es ist ein historisches Ereignis und geeignet, dem Land gute Schlagzeilen zu liefern nach den sonst verbreiteten Negativmeldungen. Aber dazu muss alles einwandfrei funktionieren.
Chris Minko vom CNVLD (Cambodian National Volleyball League Disabled) hat für diese Aufgabe eine sehr kleines Team, aber sie arbeiten alle sehr effektiv. Mittlerweile liegen die Nerven blank und Freiwillige, zu denen auch ich gehöre, müssen neben ihrer Arbeit auch wieder etwas frischen Wind und Zuversicht einbringen. Es ist ein beeindruckender Haufen dieser Freiwilligen angetreten. Sie arbeiten hart – zum Teil auch rund um die Uhr. Das Stadion muss aufpoliert und sechs Räume eingerichtet werden. Es ist ein architektonisches Schmuckstück aus den Sechzigern, an dem der Zahn der Zeit sichtbar genagt hat. Die Weltorganisation für Volleyball für Behinderte (WOVD) hat hohe Standarts definiert und diese müssen ohne Gnade erfüllt werden. Das Material hat Christian Zepp mitgebracht – er ist der deutsche Trainer der kambodschanischen Mannschaft und wird vom Deutschen Olympischen Sportbund finanziert. Seit zwei Monaten ist er schon in Phnom Penh und trainiert die Nationalmannschaft. Ich wohne im selben Hotel wie er, aber dort kennt man ihn nur wenig. Er ist von morgens bis abends bei seinem Team, das in der Nähe in einem Haus in Klausur lebt. Ausser Essen und Schlafen gibt es nur Volleyball in Theorie und Praxis.
Bei den gemeinsamen Sitztungen werden die Aufgaben verteilt und es geht kurz und knapp zur Sache. Listen werden abgearbeitet und die Telefone rauchen. Trotzdem passieren die vielen kleinen Katastrophen. Die Druckerei hat geschlampt, Termine werden nicht gehalten und immer wieder kommen Sonderwünsche von den Behörden. Ein Name stimmt nicht und ein ganzer Satz Druckstücke wandert in den Abfall.
Dann schwärmen alle aus. Auf Motorrädern, in Tuktuks und im LKW. Ich fahre mit und dokumentiere auch diesen Teil des Events. Neben mir sitzt Rob aus England, der hier in Kambodscha lebt. Es ist eine von diesen Geschichten, die man hier in vielen Variationen hören kann. Er kommt aus London, wo er in einer weniger guten Gegend gelebt hat. Eines nachts sind Einbrecher in sein Haus eingedrungen und haben ihm sein eigenes Brotmesser in den Bauch gestochen. Danach hatte er dieses Leben satt und hat erst einmal einen Freund in Phnom Penh besucht – sozusagen um Distanz zu gewinnen. Nach vier Wochen musste er wieder heim, hat aber schon einmal sein ganzes Gepäck in Phnom Penh gelassen. Kurz darauf war er zurück, hat eine Kambodschanerin geheiratet und ein Haus gekauft. Er lebt hier als freiberuflicher Buchhalter – seine Frau Srea ist Reiseleiterin und schuftet ebefalls freiwillig mit. Das Londoner Wetter und das Brotmesser sind Vergangenheit.
Wir fahren kreuz und quer durch die Stadt, holen Tafeln, Schilder, Topfpflanzen, Sonnenschirme und was auch sonst notwendig ist an den verschiedensten Orten ab. Die ganze LKW-Ladung muss ja noch ins Stadion und ist nur eine von vielen. Gleichzeitig wird im Hotel „Goldiana“, wo die fünf Gastmannschaften absteigen werden, ein Büro eingerichtet. Hier können die Gäste während des gesamten Aufenthalts Auskünfte bekommen. Auch Tuktuks oder Taxis können sie buchen. Ein Pendeldienst zum Stadion wird mit Bussen organisiert.
Das alles in Phnom Penh ist bereits eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe. Aber als zusätzlicher Kick kommt noch das Wasserfest Oumtuk hinzu, das mit der Ankunft der Mannschaften und der feierlichen Eröffnung zusammenfällt. In Phnom Penh ist es auf den Strassen nie wirklich langweilig. In den Rush Hours bricht regelmässig alles zusammen und auch sonst ist das Verkehrsgeschehen zumindest anspruchvoll. Wenn jetzt zu dieser Situation noch einmal ebenso viele Besucher wie Einwohner einfallen, wird es unvorstellbar. Ich könnte mitten im Verkehr mein Fahrrad stehen lassen – es würde nicht umfallen, sondern langsam mit der Masse weiterrollen. Auch zu Fuss geht oft nichts mehr. Ein Bustransfer von wenigen Minuten wird dann ein abendfüllendes Programm. Es sei denn, man hätte eine Polizeieskorte und auch das hat Chris geschafft.
Als erstes Team kommt das deutsche an. Wir begrüssen sie im “Goldiana” und “Papa”, ihr Trainer, fällt uns in seiner herzlichen Art um den Hals. Die grosse Maschine dieses Unternehmens läuft jetzt an. Und es geht gut. Jeder ist auf seinem Platz, als in den kommenden Tagen die Mannschaften ankommen. Trainingspläne stehen bereits, Begrüssungspakete werden ausgegeben, Busse warten und die ersten Meetings der eingeflogenen Funktionäre, Ärzte und Trainer finden statt. Das internationale Ärzteteam wird parallel zum Training die Klassifizierung der Spieler durchführen und legt die Termine fest. Die Augen blicken von der langen Anreise noch etwas müde in die fremde Umgebung, aber das legt sich bald. Für die Europäer und die Kanadier kommt auch noch ein enormer Klimawechsel hinzu. Aber die Zeitpläne lassen keine Lücke offen und alle machen sofort voll mit. Im Hintergrund läuft die Organisation noch auf vollen Touren.
Am 24. November 2007 ist die feierliche Eröffnung des World Cups 2007. Der Schirmherr ist Ministerpräsident Samdech Hun Sen und er hat sein ranghöchstes Kabinettsmitglied, Exzellenz Sok Ahn, geschickt. Sozialminister Ith Sam Heng ist ebenfalls anwesend. Er und sein Sohn haben immer wieder Unterstütztung geliefert. Die Medien drängen sich und die Sache wird live übertragen. Zuerst sprechen die 30 anwesenden Mönche ihren Segen und die vertretenen Ministern überreichen Geschenke. Nach den Ansprachen und den Begrüssungsworten tanzen 60 Apsara-Tänzerinnen den klassischen Tanz der Khmer. Alle ausländischen Gäste stehen auf dem Spielfeld hinter den Schildern ihrer Nation. Ein Operntenor singt die kambodschanische Nationalhymne.
Nach dieser Feier folgt das erste Match Kambodscha – Indien. Die Inder zeigen sich sehr schwach und Kambodscha siegt schnell und hoch. Die offiziellen Besucher verlassen das Stadion und von nun an läuft die Sache nach dem grossen Plan, der in den vielen Wochen zuvor erarbeitet wurde. Drei Spiele pro Tag – insgesamt sind es 22 - dazwischen Training und immer wieder ein spezielles Ereignis am Rande. Die Busse pendeln und nach dem Wochenende wird alles einfacher, weil das Wasserfest zu Ende ist. Über zwei Millionen Besucher verlassen die Stadt in einem regelrechten Exodus.
Ausser den Volleyballmannschaften aus sechs Nationen, der Organisation und den fleissigen Händen im Hintergrund gibt es noch viele andere Beteiligte, die eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Das sind zunächst die Rennrollstuhl-Teams des CNVLD. Sie sind alle erschienen und säumen das Spielfeld an allen Tagen. Früh morgens bei Sonnenaufgang trainieren sie auf dem Gelände vor dem Stadion, denn für den Tag der Finale ist ein kurzes Sprintrennen geplant. Sie stehen daher schon um vier Uhr auf, verbringen den Tag im Stadion und werden erst nach dem letzten Spiel in ihre Unterkunft gefahren. Da wundert es kaum, dass manchmal jemand einfach im Rolli einschläft. Ihre Anwesenheit gibt dem Volleyballteam solidarische Unterstützung und sie sehen in den neuen Rennern prächtig aus. Unterstützung bringen aber vor allem die Zuschauermassen – sie kommen in Scharen. Das Stadion ist auch reichlich gefüllt, wenn Kambodscha nicht spielt. Der Lärmpegel ist unbeschreiblich. Sie bringen Trommeln mit und benutzen praktisch alles, um die Spieler anzufeuern. Manchmal ist die Schmerzgrenze erreicht und die Ohren pfeifen. Natuerlich ist das am wildesten, wenn “Ihre” Leute spielen, aber die Zuschauer sind fair. Jede gute Leistung wird belohnt – in erster Linie zählt guter Sport. Für die Spieler ist das ziemlich ungewohnt, denn Standing Volleyball gehört in anderen Ländern nicht unbedingt zu den Ereignissen, die die Strassen leeren. Natürlich macht es Spass, vor Tausenden von tobenden Menschen zu spielen und die Begeisterung ist gross. Ein World Cup in Kambodscha ist eben etwas anderes und schafft besondere Stimmungen. Greg Stewart aus Kanada ist 2.23 Meter gross. Er ist hier ein Naturereignis und als Spieler gefürchtet. Trotzdem siegt Kambodscha über Kanada. Und als Greg dann im Spiel der Kambodschaner gegen die Slowakei in voller Grösse mit einer kambodschanischen Fahne in der Hand auf der VIP-Tribüne aufspringt, bekommt er den Beifall seines Lebens. Er hat mit dieser Geste alle Herzen im Sturm erobert und sein Auftritt wird vom TV-Sender CTN in die Welt geschickt. CTN ist ununterbrochen dabei und sendet mehrmals täglich Mitschnitte. Überall in Phnom Penh werde ich über den Verlauf der Spiele angesprochen.
Gerade im Hinblick auf Greg und die kambodschanischen Spieler mutet es seltsam an, von gleicher Augenhöhe zu sprechen, aber im übertragenen Sinn funktioniert es. Der World Cup ist hervorragend organisiert, kleine Probleme werden umgehend gelöst und die Beteiligung seitens der Regierung, der Medien und der Öffentlichkeit ist einzigartig. Der Gedanke, dass hier ein armes Drittweltland auch einmal versucht mitzumischen, wäre völlig abwegig. Auch das sportliche Niveau Kambodschas kann sich sehen lassen. Die Favoriten für Gold sind Deutschland, die Slowakei und Kambodscha. Alle drei Mannschaften spielen auf demselben Level und letztlich sieht das Endergebnis auch entsprechend aus. Deutschland bekommt Gold, die Slowakei Silber und Kambodscha Bronze. Polen erreicht Platz vier, Kanada fünf und Indien ist das Schlusslicht.
Den dritten Platz müssen die Kambodschaner gegen die Polen verteidigen, was ihnen auch gut gelingt. Zum Endspiel Deutschland – Slowakei bleibt das Stadion gefüllt und es gibt noch einmal einen unglaublichen Lärmpegel. Bis zum Schluss harren alle aus und immer mehr Khmer üben den deutschen Schlachtruf. Auch deutsche Fahnen sind begehrt – der Botschafter hätte viel mehr davon mitbringen dürfen. Hier zeigt sich schon die Freundschaft zwischen dem deutschen und dem kambodschanischen Team und den Sieg der Deutschen feiern beide Mannschaften gemeinsam. Papa wird von den Kambodschanern in die Höhe gehoben, wie sie das mit ihrem Christian auch gemacht hatten. Dazu passt es auch, dass Christian der Schüler von Papa ist. Ja, und dann ziehen sie nach der Übergabe der Medaillen und der Pokale für besondere Leistungen gemeinsam in den Garten der deutschen Botschaft und feiern bis vier Uhr morgens.
Die kambodschanischen Spieler freuen sich über ihre Medaille, die Regierung über die guten Nachrichten aus ihrem Land, Chris über den Erfolg seines Teams, die Gäste ueber einen aussergewöhnlichen World Cup, die Medien über eine interessante Berichterstattung und die Zuschauer über eine Woche mit spannenden Spielen. Und alle bedauern zum wiederholten Mal, dass Standing Volleyball keine paralympische Disziplin mehr ist. Das hat dem Sport sehr zugesetzt, denn viele Sponsoren halten sich seit dieser Entscheidung sehr zurück. Arme Länder trifft dies noch härter, denn hier ist Standing Volleyball eine Sportart, die mit sehr wenigen Mitteln zu realisieren ist. „A Ball and a Net“ ist der Slogan und dann geht es los. Sitzvolleyball benötigt zumindest einen guten Hallenboden, den es in Kambodscha nur im Stadion der Hauptstadt gibt. Alle 16 Mannschaften der Liga spielen aber normalerweise auf Beton ader Naturboden und das ist in vielen Ländern nicht anders. Was dieser Sport leisten kann, hat der World Cup 2007 wieder einmal bewiesen. Eine angemessene Würdigung dieser Qualität wäre seine Aufnahme in die Liste der paralympischen Sportarten, wo er ja bis Sydney 2000 auch war.
Landmine Profile
Landmine Type: IPC 2008
International Paralympic Committee Landmine 2008
Type: IPC 2008
Diameter: 56mm
Height: 40 mm
Weight: 100g
Explosive weight: 29g
Explosive Type: TNT
Opening pressure: 9-16 KG
Detectability: Obvious
Manufacturer: International Paralympic Committee: Bonn, Germany
Main target: Standing Volleyball amputee athletes (former landmine survivors)
Used in: Developing nations and nations recovering from war or civil conflict
Operation: Used to stop Volleyball athletes from standing up and participating in the
International Paralympic Games
Neutralization: Reality based dialogue between the IPC and Volleyball Standing nations
Disarming: Return the Sport of Standing Volleyball to the International Paralympic
Games by London 2012
The 2008 Cambodian National Volleyball League (Disabled)
+ the 2008 ISPP Annual Fun Run
Helping the Takeo ISPP Falcons Fly!
Falcon Facts:
• The Takeo ISPP Falcons are one of the fastest improving teams in the league. Position 2006 League: 11th
Position 2007 League: Joint 2nd
• There are 9 athletes in the Falcons. 7 athletes are landmine survivors
• Coach Meas Sabon is one of the youngest Falcons athletes and the youngest league coach. He is also one of Cambodia’s best disabled runners.
• Meas Sabon won Best Coach 2007
National League Facts:
• 2008 is the National League’s 7th year - the longest running Standing League in the world
• The National League has 108 athletes in 12 teams from 11 provinces.
• National League Competitions are played in the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh. Entry is free
• There are 4 weekends (8 days) of league competition at Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh
28th June –29thJune / 26th July –27th July / 30th August –31st August / 20th September–21st September
• US$5500 in prize money is available for the top three teams and winners of the Best Athlete 2008 prizes. The 2008 National League Champions receive US$300 per athlete on 21st September Finals
• The league season’s best athletes will join the Cambodian National Team to compete in the 2008 Bratislava Volleyball World Cup. Cambodia now #3 in the World.
8 ways ISSP sponsorship helps the Falcons Fly!
• Training: The Falcons train 4 times a week at their own Takeo court for the 16 week season
• Equipment: New training balls, nets, 2 uniforms with the ISPP logo, 2 pairs of trainers and 2 T-shirts
• Competitions: Sponsorship gets the Falcons to the 4 competitions in Phnom Penh which are organised and played to World Organisation for Volleyball Disabled (WOVD) standards.
• Subsidies/Prize Money: 75% of all CNVLD funds are directly invested in athletes. The National League invests more in our athletes than any other sports programme in Cambodia.
• ISPP Profile: Visit the Falcons profile on www.standupcambodia.org with photos and stats all linked to the ISPP website. See the huge ISPP competition banner at the Olympic Stadium.
• Media: Follow the Falcons on CTN TV competition broadcasts, Globe Magazine League coverage (as Official English Language Partner) and regular Cambodian TV, radio and newspapers media on competition.
• Education: 2008 sees the Falcons play the ISPP Volleyball Team 3 times at ISPP to raise awareness and understanding of the landmine and disability issues among students. No CNVLD team has ever been defeated by an able-bodied team!
Thank You for helping the Takeo ISPP Falcons Fly in 2008!
The 2008 Cambodian National Volleyball League (Disabled)
+ the 2008 ISPP Annual Fun Run
Helping the Takeo ISPP Falcons Fly!
Falcon Facts:
• The Takeo ISPP Falcons are one of the fastest improving teams in the league. Position 2006 League: 11th
Position 2007 League: Joint 2nd
• There are 9 athletes in the Falcons. 7 athletes are landmine survivors
• Coach Meas Sabon is one of the youngest Falcons athletes and the youngest league coach. He is also one of Cambodia’s best disabled runners.
• Meas Sabon won Best Coach 2007
National League Facts:
• 2008 is the National League’s 7th year - the longest running Standing League in the world
• The National League has 108 athletes in 12 teams from 11 provinces.
• National League Competitions are played in the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh. Entry is free
• There are 4 weekends (8 days) of league competition at Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh
28th June –29thJune / 26th July –27th July / 30th August –31st August / 20th September–21st September
• US$5500 in prize money is available for the top three teams and winners of the Best Athlete 2008 prizes. The 2008 National League Champions receive US$300 per athlete on 21st September Finals
• The league season’s best athletes will join the Cambodian National Team to compete in the 2008 Bratislava Volleyball World Cup. Cambodia now #3 in the World.
8 ways ISSP sponsorship helps the Falcons Fly!
• Training: The Falcons train 4 times a week at their own Takeo court for the 16 week season
• Equipment: New training balls, nets, 2 uniforms with the ISPP logo, 2 pairs of trainers and 2 T-shirts
• Competitions: Sponsorship gets the Falcons to the 4 competitions in Phnom Penh which are organised and played to World Organisation for Volleyball Disabled (WOVD) standards.
• Subsidies/Prize Money: 75% of all CNVLD funds are directly invested in athletes. The National League invests more in our athletes than any other sports programme in Cambodia.
• ISPP Profile: Visit the Falcons profile on www.standupcambodia.org with photos and stats all linked to the ISPP website. See the huge ISPP competition banner at the Olympic Stadium.
• Media: Follow the Falcons on CTN TV competition broadcasts, Globe Magazine League coverage (as Official English Language Partner) and regular Cambodian TV, radio and newspapers media on competition.
• Education: 2008 sees the Falcons play the ISPP Volleyball Team 3 times at ISPP to raise awareness and understanding of the landmine and disability issues among students. No CNVLD team has ever been defeated by an able-bodied team!
Thank You for helping the Takeo ISPP Falcons Fly in 2008!
Outrun Magazine covers World Cup
The World Cup features in the January 2008 edition of Outrun, Germany’s leading disability sport magazine. Michael Huber’s article explores some of the stories behind hosting the historic event.
Christian Zepp: National Coach - National Pride
Following the outstanding performances of the Cambodian National Standing Volleyball Team at the 2007 WOVD World Cup, the CNVLD wishes to extend special thanks to National Team Coach Mr Christian Zepp.
The culmination of more than seven years of cooperation with the German National Olympic Federation (DOSB), Christian Zepp’s tenure represents the greatest achievement of that cooperation to date. Sole dedication to the task and his athletes, transparency, maturity and dignity all combined to make Christian Zepp the most successful DOSB advisor to work with the CNVLD.
After Cambodia lost to Slovakia in a heart-stopping 2 point semi-final, they went on to defeat Poland to clinch Bronze, their highest finish in the world yet and a success which won them the hearts of the nation. This success can be credited largely to the dedication and technical input of Coach Zepp, the youngest national coach at the World Cup at 26 years of age. Coach Zepp instilled discipline, pride, fitness and international standard technique in a team whose improvement in physique and determination over the course of their 6-week live in training programme was clear for all to see.
With the games broadcast on CTN TV and receiving widespread local and international media coverage, Coach Zepp became a local celebrity prior to his departure being hailed in the street for his achievements.
However, as Coach Zepp will be the first to admit, he had only one aim for the Cambodian National Standing Volleyball Team – Number 1 in the World and his determination to assist Cambodia achieve this historic feat has only become stronger with gaining Bronze, in full acknowledgement that any of the top three teams could have taken the title.
On behalf of the Cambodian National Standing Team and all at the CNVLD we wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to Christian Zepp for a sterling performance in aid of furthering Cambodian disability sports development.
With the 2008 WOVD World Cup scheduled for Bratislava, Slovakia, all at the CNVLD look forward to welcoming Coach Zepp back for the Cambodian National Standing Team’s preparations to take the World Number 1 title in Europe.
The CNVLD and Christian Zepp:
Taking Cambodian Disability Sports Development to the next level.
Defying the odds
A stone’s throw from the Kampung Speu physical rehabilitation centre is the home of former mine victim Ek Leng.
An ex-Khmer Rouge soldier, Ek Leng was involved in a battle against the Vietnamese army before stepping on a mine in 1982 at Battambang province.
He lost both his legs (upper limbs included) in that incident.
“When I regained consciousness, I realised I was already in hospital. I thought I would die soon but it didn’t happen,” said the 50-year-old.
And in Ek’s case, love transformed everything. Love gave him a new lease of life and showed him that there were things he could look forward to every day.
“My wife helped me see life in a new light,” Ek admitted unabashedly. “Despite my disability, she never gave up on me.
“I was touched by the girl who loved me for who I was, and we got married in 1985, three years after I had my legs amputated.”
Ek met his wife, Kan Vy, when she was hired to cook for the soldiers. Bth of them had a lot in common since they came from the same town.
Love was indeed in the air in his wooden home built on stilts, where Ek has heart symbols glued onto a frame holding the couple’s wedding photograph, and on his modified tricycle, which is his mode of transportation nowadays.
He has also become a coach for a CNVLD wheelchair race team which he leads in an annual national competition in Phnom Penh.
Sport has become therapy for him and many of his friends, too, as it helps keep them occupied and prevents their minds from wallowing in the past.
He rears chicken on the spacious grounds of his home, and had been invited by the community on numerous occasions to give motivational talks to other disabled persons.
“I earn about US$45 (RM152) as a coach, and receive a government allowance of US$25 (RM84).
“My biggest achievement is having a job, compared to others who are not so lucky.
“I also buy young calves and sell them at a higher market price once they have become adults. Cows are assets to Cambodians.
“All this money helps fund my three children’s education in university,” said the cheerful Ek.
Continuing our journey three hours northwest towards the province of Pursat to meet another victim, we rolled pass verdant fields, simple thatched shacks built of wood or palm leaves, the many pagodas with their spiral architecture, people thronging wet markets and food stalls, and long stretches of undeveloped land.
Our taxi driver Pen Sophat seemed bent on using the horn to ward off motorcyclists who veered dangerously in the middle of the two-lane road, or cars heading for us in the opposite direction as they attempted to overtake.
But using their horns is second nature for drivers in Cambodia. And the daredevils that they are, they only slam on the brakes when they are inches away from the vehicle in front!
Turning off the main road, the route leading to the home of Heng Sophal was a rough and bumpy one, with deep potholes and puddles of water.
His shack, made of dried palm leaves, was a small cubicle where his family sleeps and cooks in. Heng makes a living climbing palm trees to tap and extract their fresh sap, which is then cooked into a sticky sugary pulp for sale.
The gaps in his home are no protection against the rain, so when it pours, the whole family shift their sleeping positions to another corner of the hut.
The place was pervaded by poverty, yet Heng did not once indulge in self-pity. He happily regaled us with adventures of his everyday job, and demonstrated to us how he would climb a tree, using a thin long tree trunk with protruding stumps as his ladder and his prosthesis from the ICRC.
“I stepped on a mine when I was 14 while looking for my buffalo near the mountains.
My leg had to be amputated below the knee.
“Most of the time, I rely a lot on my hands for strength. We need to be independent and earn our own income because no one can help us if we don’t,” said the 28-year-old.
Heng earns about RM5 a day from the palm sugar, which his 23-year-old wife has to diligently stir while it boils in a wok, and harvests his own rice that yields about 500kg a year, which is sufficient for his family’s consumption.
The government, he said, has also implemented a programme to help poor villagers earn a living through a buffalo adoption scheme.
“Poor families get an adult female buffalo so that it can give birth, and when the baby is old enough to work, the government will take back the adult female so we can still use the baby to make a living.”
And with that, Heng gathered his two young children and wife to pose for a family photo, before sending us off with true hospitality and a broad smile.
He may be poor, lives a life that is most basic, and has to deal with the unfortunate fate of a mine victim, but Heng’s optimism reminded us that it is important not to despair or give up hope even in the most trying times because life has to go on.
From ICRC Newsletter
Stories from the field - ICRC Newsletter
Cambodia: handicapped volleyball player achieves more than a medal
When mine amputee Chim Phan helped his team to gain a bronze medal at the recent world cup final, it was his ultimate triumph over years of pain and struggle. One of thousands of mine victims in Cambodia, Phan represents a generation determined to overcome their handicap.
The championship, organized by the World Organisation for Volleyball Disabled (WOVD), ended in December in Phnom Penh; Cambodia beat Poland to third place.
Seeing Phan (38) jumping, blocking, serving and diving around the court delighted family and friends. Like other Cambodian mine victims, Phan has re-gained not only his ability to walk but also the possibility to earn money and, above all, the dignity to live his life again.
He has come a long way since stepping on a landmine 12 years ago, near his home in Kandal Province. The blast tore off his lower right leg and he thought he was going to die. Resting at home after several weeks in hospital, Phan admits he spent six months in a deep depression. “I did not know how I could support my wife and children. It's already hard enough to make a living in Cambodia when you have two legs.”
Cambodia’s maiming fields
Long after conflict ended, Cambodia remains one of the world’s most heavily-infested minefields. The United Nations estimates that over 40 per cent of the country’s villages are contaminated, with between four and six million mines and other explosive devices left in the ground. There are reported to be some 36,000 landmine victims in Cambodia. The ICRC gives support to two orthopaedic centres and to a component factory in Phnom Penh and has mobile teams to reach villages difficult to access.
Cambodia’s maiming fields
Long after conflict ended, Cambodia remains one of the world’s most heavily-infested minefields. The United Nations estimates that over 40 per cent of the country’s villages are contaminated, with between four and six million mines and other explosive devices left in the ground. There are reported to be some 36,000 landmine victims in Cambodia. The ICRC gives support to two orthopaedic centres and to a component factory in Phnom Penh and has mobile teams to reach villages difficult to access.
His life changed after attending the Kompong Speu rehabilitation centre which is run by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) and supported by the ICRC.
Simple technology
Like other disabled Cambodians who learn to walk again after losing limbs from mine accidents, Phan was fitted with a polypropylene artificial leg and a natural rubber foot – technology developed by the ICRC. The inexpensive appliance was designed to be simple, easy to use and resistant to the climate. Each limb is made to individual needs.
“I went there three times to test different ones until they had it fitted just right,” he said, adding that it was a “fantastic feeling” to finally stand on his own: “I never believed it would be possible for me to walk again.”
After two months Phan got accustomed to the limb so that he could work again. He also took up running and playing volleyball; since 1996 he has played in the Cambodian National Volleyball League for the Disabled.
Putting a spring in his step
The limbs are checked twice a year at the centre, to adjust the fitting and make repairs. As a national volleyball player, Phan was given the privilege of having a high-tech limb giving greater speed, spring, and jump. Some Western companies have donated special joints and dynamic feet to make the limbs perform better.
Phan and five of his team-mates received the “super legs” just two months before the beginning of the World Cup. It took about ten fittings before the appliance was fully fine-tuned. The service was free of charge.
After the matches are over, Phan hangs up his high-tech limb and puts on his ICRC-supplied standard leg for everyday use. Outside the volleyball court, he also runs a half-mile marathon, and works as a carpenter.
The true victory for Phan is not just the bronze medal he collected from the World Cup: “Now I can do everything I did before and provide for my family just like everyone else. And one leg feels the same as the other leg now, so I just don't feel sorry for myself anymore.”
Historic first World Cup provides direct training for Cambodians.
The successful hosting of the 2007 WOVD Cambodia Standing Volleyball World Cup provided direct training in sports event management for more than 50 Cambodians.
The Cambodian National Team
Under the expert tutelage of Cambodian National Coach Christian Zepp, 16 of Cambodia’s top Standing Volleyball athletes received 6 weeks of intense training to the highest standards in the world. Eating and living together and training twice a day for 6 weeks, these elite-level athletes with a disability proved the impact of the intensive training by taking Bronze at the World Cup.
With the Cambodian National Standing Team sourced from over ten National League teams, the new skills, techniques and fitness levels they successfully honed will now dissipate through the respective National League teams and the CNVLD expects the 2008 National League season to be the most hotly contested and technically advanced to date.
The CNVLD Line Judges
Prior to the opening of the World Cup, the WOVD Referees conducted an intensive training workshop for four Cambodian National League athletes from the Kompong Speu AusAID Kangaroos to be the official linesmen for the duration of the tournament. Though experienced at the local level, it was a whole different level of pressure line judging all the way to the grand finals where Germany took victory.
The overwhelming opinion of the WOVD Referees was that the CNVLD Line Judges were among some of the most professional and dedicated they had seen.
The CNVLD National League Referees
During the World Cup, the WOVD Referees implemented two training sessions for the eight Cambodian National League Referees, ensuring that the 2008 National League season will also see the highest technical level of refereeing to date. The CNVLD wishes to give particular thanks to Mr Andrew Davison (Australia), Mr Pierre Farmer (Canada) and Mr Ibrahim Firouzi (Iran) for taking time out of their busy schedules to assist in the development of Cambodian National Disability Sport.
This shining example of international cooperation in National Sports Development has since been taken a step further through a generous offer by Mr Andrew Davison to provide remote training through provision of video footage of the 2008 National League.
The CNVLD Officials
Ms. Mean Seyhahn (CNVLD Staff) and Mr Rotha also received intensive training from WOVD Officials during the World Cup as Official Scorers and fulfilled this role in cooperation with WOVD Officials for the duration of the tournament. Both are now proficient volleyball scorers to international standards
Mr Rotha will be employed by the CNVLD for the duration of the 2008 National League Competition Season.
The CNVLD Volunteers
During the World Cup, over 30 young Cambodians, as well as students from the International School Phnom Penh and Templestowe College Melbourne, volunteered their time to provide assistance during the games in such tasks as court mopping / wiping, ball boys / girls, distributing water, tournament preparation and closing and trouble-shooting, all to international standards.
The WOVD Officials, in particular those from Eastern European nations, consistently stated that the performances of these volunteers exceeded any they had previously seen in any international competition.
The CNVLD is incredibly proud of the support from the young Cambodian men and women who volunteered their time during the World Cup and looks forward to welcoming them all back for the 2008 National League Season.
The Cambodian Sports Fans
The strong attendance by Cambodian sports fans throughout the World Cup was one of the greatest successes of the tournament. The atmosphere of support they created for the Cambodian National Team was so intense that at times opposition teams and officials could not communicate effectively; a first in a Standing Volleyball World Cup.
The CNVLD and the 2007 WOVD Cambodia Standing Volleyball World Cup: Standing Up together to provide international standard sports event management training to Cambodians.
This is a really interesting initiative and I've repeatedly heard some fantastic reports from your programme in Cambodia. I've worked on many grassroots programmes for people with a disability in Australia and in Fiji and I'm impressed with the structure of your program and the pathways you have created for athletes to develop.
I'm particularly interested in what strategies you have identified to recruit new players to your programme. People with a disability, generally, face additional barriers that prevent their participation in sport and things like sending out a flier are not the most effective methods to promote and recruit people to get involved in a sport. How do you get your message out in Cambodia and do you have different approaches to target adults, children, women, or people in remote areas? and what type of barriers have you come across in this area?
Also, I've found that once a competition format has been created, there still needs a safe learning environment for new recruits. Do you have new players wanting to join in the middle of a competition but without the basic skills?
You might also be interested in my masters research which looks at the participation of developing countries in Deaflympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics from 1991 - 2006. Some of the participation data may be useful for your organisation's planning in Cambodia and also in neighbouring countries.
I look forward to your reply and wish you and project continued success in the future.
Best regards,
Jackie
Jackie Lauff
Free University Berlin
University Challenge
2007 WOVD Volleyball World Cup Boosts Cambodian Tourism
The successful hosting of the 2007 WOVD Cambodia Standing Volleyball World Cup brought a number of direct benefits to Cambodian tourism, highlighting the enormous potential of international sports events to diversify Cambodia’s rapidly developing tourism industry.
More than 100 international athletes and officials participated in the World Cup, all of whom required international standard hotel accommodation, food and transport. For the majority, this was their first ever visit to Cambodia and, without exception, all were effusive about the welcome, facilities and activities they enjoyed.
Beyond the tournament itself, the international visitors all took time to enjoy Cambodia’s extensive tourist attractions including the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh’s many markets, Mekong River Trips, the Genocide sites, Udong and Tonle Bati.
More than half of the contingent also took trips to Angkor Wat with many staying more than a week. Many of the visitors expressed their intentions to return to explore further with friends and family and the local volunteer CNVLD World Cup Travel Manager has since received numerous formal enquiries.
The CNVLD estimates that the event brought more than US$300,000 directly into the Cambodian economy.
The 2007 WOVD Cambodia Standing Volleyball World Cup demonstrated the synergy between hosting international sports events and assisting the development of a new national tourism sector. The CNVLD intends to capitalise on this success in 2008 by bidding for further prestigious international events including Sports Development Conferences.
The CNVLD and the 2007 WOVD Cambodia Standing Volleyball World Cup: Changing the paradigm of Cambodian tourism