IFMA Gives Back…
A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR YOUTH - THE “MAD” CAMPAIGN
People involved in Muaythai, both in Thailand and overseas, receive much satisfaction and happiness from the sport. There’s the excitement of watching or competing in this thrilling ring-sport, the health benefits of being fit, and the sense of being connected to a martial tradition, which dates back hundreds of years.
All these add up to a huge sense of gratitude and appreciation amongst Muaythai practitioners and fans. Around the world lives are influenced positively through the power of sports. The Muaythai Against Drugs (MAD) Campaign is a series of events that was created to battle the drug problems harming the youth of the world.
Many of the influential personnel who are involved in Muaythai are also actively engaged in charitable works, large and small. All agree that the issue of drug abuse amongst the youth is one of the biggest problems in modern society.
“Using Muaythai to help the young is our main goal” – a simple but profound message form His Excellency General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, Privy Councilor to His Majesty the King of Thailand, IFMA Honorary Chairman and President of the “Muaythai Against Drugs” world campaign.
General Pichitr is a highly respected dignitary in Thailand; particularly in his position in the Privy Council. In the world of Muaythai he needs no introduction, despite his age and all responsibilities he still finds time to chair many IFMA World Championships and other international events.
In 1999, the “Muaythai Against Drugs” (MAD) campaign for youth was established, honoring the royal remarks of His Majesty the King of Thailand on the effects of drugs on future generations, not only in Thailand but also throughout the world in all levels of society; and only through a combined effort will this problem could be resolved.
General Pichitr assumed the responsibility for the project in Thailand and later inquired the WMC and IFMA Executive Boards together with national federations, to establish a worldwide anti-drug campaign using Muaythai as a tool.
The campaign under the slogan – “take the right path in life” is now established in over fifty countries and the Youth World Championship was commissioned as a reward for all youths who participated in the program. The campaign was well received from the national federations worldwide, with support from the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Youth Advisor for Ukraine, the Executive Director of the Narcotics Board of Indonesia and many others.
It was held in honor of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Thailand’s birthday. This show set the precedent for the top class quality in which the following events would follow. Also in common with the following events was the involvement of government agencies, such as the Sports Authority of Thailand, that co-organized these events.
Over the last four years, spectacular events have taken place in most major IFMA member countries, for example: Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, South Africa, The Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Mexico, England and many others. These events featured the best male and female boxers of their time. WMC and IFMA World and National title fights were also included in order to attract the crowd. The events were often televised which brought the sport of Muaythai to wider audiences as well as continuing to spread the message, “Do Sport, Not Drugs”.
In 2004, the Muaythai Against Drugs Festival took place in Thailand, with participation from 69 countries. The new innovations such as Muaythai Aerobics added extra dimension of entertainment to the event. Many famous superstars like Jackie Chan were drawn into the campaign and have continuously supported their national federations.
Funds raised from these events were donated to charities, nominated by His Excellency General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, in Thailand and various groups within the WMC and IFMA countries. A “SMART” youth education comic book was produced and distributed in over 80 countries under the MAD campaign. Exclusive youth projects were established, aiming to take underprivileged kids away from the street and drugs. Through traditions and health benefits of Muaythai, a new value on life away from the influence of drugs can be created.
The Muaythai Against Drugs Campaign allows those involved in Muaythai an opportunity to give something back in return for the great pleasure they received from the sport, whether they are officials, coaches, athletes or simply Muaythai fans. Most of all, these give us all the chance to stop drug abuse, take underprivileged kids away from the street, create healthy bodies, minds and lifestyles from the values and traditions of Muaythai.
IFMA is proud to be part of this campaign and will continue working on youth development programs for the benefit and future of young generations worldwide. Drug abuse knows no boundaries. We all need to show the same resolve by uniting together, the world Muaythai community brings the IFMA slogan to life.
One World One Muaythai