University Games: The victorious Thai Universiade bid committee, which successfully won for the Kingdom the right to stage the 24th Summer Universiade in 2007, is back from Trieste, Italy. They will now do everything they can to make it a memorable celebration.

The Thai flag fluttered high and the picture of His Majesty the King receiving the SEAP gold medal from Her Majesty the Queen was proudly held aloft when the sports-loving Kingdom's delegation led by Minister Suwat Liptapanlop heard the news that their bid to stage the 24th edition of the Summer University Games in 2007 had been successful.

In the Italian city of Trieste last Tuesday, Thailand outbid Monterrey of Mexico - which had even offered US$3 million as a donation - Taiwan and Poland.

”Our delegation had done their homework well and staged two excellent rehearsals which enabled us to make the best presentation and so win the nod of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) selection committee,” said Thailand's International Olympic Committee member, Dr Nat Intrapana, who served as the moderator of the Thai team that made the bid.

It is the biggest victory Thailand has scored in its efforts to bring to the Kingdom an international sports event of such magnitude. When the 2007 Summer Universiade comes to Thailand, the celebration will be 84 years old. Above all, it will also mark an important event for the Kingdom as His Majesty the King will be celebrating his 80th birthday that year.

That's why the country's leaders, led by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, were enthusiastic about bringing this big sports meeting to Thailand.

The Summer Universiade will draw some 10,000 students from 165 countries to the 10-day festival.

”Each member of the 15-member Thai delegation played a distinct role and the presentation was professional. Our bid was solid, it was full of substance and incentives,” added Dr Nat.

He paid glowing tributes to Pravitr Ratanapian, Raewat Chamchralerm, Somnuk Pimsatien, Lt Gen Lertrat Ratanavanich, Santiparb Tejavanija, Dr Narit Chaiyasut, Dr Sakchye Tabsuwan, Pol Maj Gen Chiroj Chaichit, Widhya Phoosuwan, Rachajit Manachat, Dr Sakchye Tabsuwan and Thai International's Manit, among others, for their excellent contributions.

”To attract the full participation of the 165-nation FISU membership, Thailand is offering 50percent discounts on Thai International flights from any part of the world,” said Dr Nat.

”The presidents of universities throughout the world are to be invited to take part in a forum which is expected to help establish good relationships between the seats of learning worldwide.”

”Four hundred athletes from 40 under-developed countries in the world are to be supported by Thailand to compete in the Universiade. There will be a student-exchange programme initiated during the Universiade, details of which are to be worked out between Thailand and FISU.”

”To expose the beauty of Thailand and its many scenic spots, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will arrange tours at moderate rates for visiting delegations.”

”Last, but not least, we are not going to turn this international sports event into a commercial show. That's why we plan to charge a very low US$28-a-day for athletes - the lowest amount ever charged for an event of such magnitude. South Korea, which is staging the Summer Universiade in July, is going to charge US$40 per head.”

”It will truly be a window for the world into Thailand, especially for tomorrow's citizens. We are inviting them to come to our country, to enjoy its beauty, its people and their culture,” Dr Nat said.

Asked whether Thailand would match its elaborate preparations with efforts to earn success at the Games, Dr Nat said that would be a matter for the University Sports Board to handle.

”They will be entrusted with the preparation of athletes and it will be their responsibility to train them for the Games. There will be 10 compulsory sports and the three disciplines which the hosts are entitled to select. Thailand must pick competent athletes and engage good coaches.”

”The Universiade has advanced so much in standards that many university athletes are winning Olympic honours. We will definitely see several Olympic champions in action.”

”With the Games being held just an year before the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, I am sure many rising Olympic stars will come to the Bangkok to participate to help with acclimatisation.”

The 2007 Universiade will be held at the Thammasat University complex with the opening and closing ceremonies at Rajamangala Stadium.