Passion met with purpose. That’s what Jess Neilson, high school veteran rugby player from Victoria, Canada has once again orchestrated with great results. Nak Suu Tigers Cleat Drive Round 2 has brought in approximately 80 pairs of cleats for the children of Nak Suu Rugby Academy this year. That means between round 1 and 2, the drives have brought in a total of almost 200 pairs!

Jessica is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and affecting change as she and her mom piloted an effort to change the Lower Island Middle School Sports Association policy of restricting girls at the age of 12 from playing on mixed rugby teams. Their efforts were successful after a final appeal as the LIMSSA now allows mixed gendered teams at higher ages.

Because of Jess’s coordination of both cleat drives, children whose families cannot afford rugby equipment, are able to participate in the weekly rugby program safely with proper footwear.

Thank you Jess, and thank you to each and every person who participated, not only in the cleat drive but who have shown care and support for the children of the world with your generous act of giving.

What an exciting fundraising event – GO Bangers GO!!

For the fourth year in a row Bangers on Bikes; a few brave, athletic men on bikes from the Old Bangers Rugby Club in Bangkok will be cycling all 956 kms from Phuket to Bangkok to raise money for charity.

We at Nak Suu Rugby Academy and ARK International are honored to be one of the recipients of this auspicious undertaking. Donated monies to Nak Suu Rugby Academy are used for total running costs of the Academy. ARK International provides the transportation, equipment, as well as field rentals each week.

Our future vision for the Academy and the children from the slum communities is to have a sport/learning complex where they can learn the value of team sports and have a facility where we can regularily provide a holistic approach to invaluable life skills.

If you would like to sponsor the Bangers on Bikes fundraiser or are interested in more information, visit www.oldbangkokbangers.com or contact Bob Pearson – blp11@hotmail.com.

To view or be a part of the Bangers on Bikes Facebook community click on the facebook icon below.

As with any ministry, we require the support of our friends and partners around the world to maintain our existing programs which enables us to stretch our loving arms around more and more children each year.

For the past few years, at Christmas time, we have developed an annual celebration where we distribute gifts to each attending child from our focus communities. This gives us opportunity to encourage them with the true spirit of Christmas as well as share the Christmas story. Being from predominantly Buddhist families, this is the only Christmas the children know.

This Christmas celebration takes a warrior network of volunteers and supporters during this holiday season as well as throughout the year. Warriors who are willing to serve, pray and provide.

We would be grateful for any tangible way you can support our ministry.

For more information about our gift program as well as volunteer or support opportunities available to you, click on the Christmas Prayers 2012 picture above.

Or click here.

Introducing our commix of a Children at Risk DTS and Music DTS, starting in January 2013.

UNICEF Statistics 2010

Nak Suu Tigers playing hard at Bangkok International 10′s Tournament

What a great success for Nak Suu and the Bangkok International 10′s rugby tournament. The weekend brought together nations from all over the world as well as provided opportunity for each team to hone and test their rugby skills.

Our own Nak Suu rugby teams from each age category played exceptionally well. Several parents and coaches from the winning tournament team, stated how hard our Nak Suu kids played. A referee  commented that the Nak Suu teams exhibited “great character and attitudes and they were a pleasure to referee”.  Nak Suu kids, we at ARK International are proud of each and every one of you!

Thank you to the volunteers who helped with the kids entertainment area, selling T-shirts, ball retrieval, photography and anything else you contributed. Here is a story from one such volunteer, Jason Webb:

“Last weekend, Feb 18-19th, we (DTS Perth) had the opportunity to volunteer with Nak Suu at the Bangkok International 10’s rugby tournament. I really felt that the tournament atmosphere and set up was an amazing experience for the kids from Nak Suu. Most of the other teams have grown up around rugby and most likely this is not just a rugby competition but an experience overseas.

I was aware that the kids from Nak Suu were treated not only as worthy competition but also as worthy persons that deserve respect, opportunity and recognition of who they are and what they can achieve, which is huge in building self-esteem and confidence. I especially loved seeing each of the kids being recognized with a medal as well as a team trophy for their efforts and participation in the event.

Overall, I see VALUE being placed on the kids who take part. From my understanding, the value they have, quite often, isn’t known to them because of their situations and circumstances. This tournament is encouraging their real value as a fact.”

Jason Webb, Perth Sports DTS leader, 2012

This week is one of our busiest of the entire year! We are bustling about preparing for the Bangkok International Tens Tournament. Not only is this the “big game” we spend most of the year practising for, it’s also the main fundraiser for the Nak Suu Rugby Academy as the it is the main sponsored charity. Pumping rugby balls, sizing shoes and uniforms, setting up information booths and buying massive amounts of food are just a few of the preparations. Of course, lots and lots of rugby PRACTICE is required.

Last year, our under 11 team won first place in the tournament. What an incredible self-esteem and confidence booster for the boys. The over 11 yrs. team did excellent as well as they came in 2nd place.

The tournament this year will run from the 18th -19th of February at Bangkok Patana School with the youth rugby games played from 8 am to noon. The men’s games will be played in the afternoon with twenty-two international teams competing.

Three Nak Suu teams are registered in the youth program this year: under 16 boys, under 12 boys, and under 11 mixed. This is the first time our girls will be playing and they are so very excited about it!

This event is made possible by dedicated volunteers and sponsors. If you would like to volunteer at the tournament or would like to support with a donation please contact us at arkthailand@gmail or use the contact form on the arkintl.org website under contact tab. All are welcome to come cheer our teams on!

Stay posted for tournament results and highlights coming soon.