Sporting chance

Young football fans have a ball

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of McDonald’s Thailand,
Proypailin Brasier and Chanon Lertneeranart

To walk hand in hand with a world-class footballer to a playing field for a World Cup match must be a dream of every football fan. The McDonald’s Player Escort programme made this dream possible for two young Thais during the last World Cup in 2010.

At the age of 9 years old, Proypailin Brasier (Proy) and Chanon Lertneeranart (Chai) won the McDonald’s Player Escort competition and flew to South Africa to watch the World Cup. For the final match between Netherlands and Spain, Proy escorted Xavier Hernández i Creus from Spain, while Chai held hands with Dutch footballer Robin van Persie.

“The player escorts weren’t allowed to wave their hands, make noise or talk to the footballers, but Hernández was very nice, saying hello to me and asking how I was,” 13-year-old Proy said. “We also walked past the world cup trophy, which was an unforgettable moment.”

Though Persie seemed to be a serious and quiet man, 13-year-old Chai had a happy experience as well.

“I was very proud of that moment,” Chai said. “A lot of people were watching us and I felt speechless.”

INTO THE WILD

During their four day trip, Proy and Chai had lots of fun in South Africa. They participated in a friendship football match with other representatives from around the world. The kids also went on a safari and visited Nelson Mandela Square.

During the safari, Proy was excited to see some wild animals up close.

“There were two lion cubs that visitors were allowed to touch,” Proy said. “I was able to play with them.”

GAME DISHES

The young player escorts agreed that the African people they met were very friendly, and that the food in South Africa was delicious, despite some unusual dishes on the menu.

“We were surprised to see dishes made with wildlife animals like deer and zebra on the menu,” Chai said. “I didn’t dare to order it, but I later heard that the zebra dish was delicious.”

BECOMING BOLD

Proy and Chai both found they became more confident after their eye-opening experiences travelling abroad.

“We had to appear in public and speak with the press often, and it changed me from being shy to becoming bold,” Proy said. “I’ve since worked as an MC and a model at different events.”

Chai had a similar learning experience.

“The programme was great for giving me more confidence,” Chai said. “I can do public speaking more naturally than before. I’ve been an MC at a UNICEF event and a speaker at various school activities.”

---

Two talented young sport lovers — 9-year-old Chanchawin Madnurak (Abbas) and 7-year-old Chayada Suputtipong (Blink) — were recently selected out of 1,500 applicants to be the Thai representatives for the McDonald’s Player Escort programme at FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.

Blink won over judges with her bright personality and gymnastics talent, while Abbas stood out with his great interpersonal skills and his football and basketball playing ability.

The lucky pair told us what they thought about their pending trip to Brazil.

---

Chanchawin Madnurak (Abbas)

“I’m thrilled about being a player escort at the World Cup. I’m interested in football. I always watch football games and play it with my brothers and friends. My favourite footballer is Neymar. I will be very happy if I get to be his escort to the field. I also hope that I have a chance to see a Brazilian Carnival.”

---

Chayada Suputtipong (Blink)

“This is a rare opportunity. Not everybody can go to a World Cup match and walk hand in hand with a professional footballer. I’ve seen football players on TV, but never in the flesh during a game. I’ve prepared some English language conversation so that I can speak with the player I escort. I hope I can hold hands with English footballer Wayne Rooney.”

[On June 12, Blink escorted Croatian footballer Stipe Pletikosa during the opening ceremony.]

comments powered by Disqus