Cambodia’s Wheelchair Basketball Squads for 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023 Take Centre Stage

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach - 27 June 2022 - Cambodia's wheelchair basketball teams will be stronger than ever going into the 12th ASEAN Para Games in 2023 with exciting new players, a brand-new look, and new leadership at both the coaching and federation levels.

The Cambodia Wheelchair Basketball Federation ("CWBF"), with the support of the Prince Holding Group's philanthropic arm Prince Foundation, unveiled the changes at a ceremony attended by a diverse audience of nearly 200 people that included government leaders along with representatives from international chambers of commerce, local businesses, and civil society organizations.

Prince Foundation is elated about the federation's decision to appoint H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch to become the federation's next President since his expertise as the First Vice President of Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority ("CMAA") will be invaluable given many of the new players on both the men's and women's teams are landmine survivors.

"I am extremely thankful and humbled to be appointed as the President of the Cambodia Wheelchair Basketball Federation. I have been very passionate about helping to develop and uplift the sports sector in Cambodia, and it is a great privilege for me to have a chance to lead the team and build on its successes within the sport," said H.E. Ly Thuch.

Prince Holding Group, under the leadership of Chairman Chen Zhi, has a keen focus on human capital development to aid economic growth for the Kingdom. Additionally, with support from the Prince Foundation, both teams will receive world-class training from three Team USA-certified coaches to help them prepare for next year's ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia.

"In the past, we have provided various contributions to help the local sports sector such as volleyball and football," said Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group. "This is our first involvement in empowering people with disability, and we are honored to take part in fostering social inclusion by organizing the unveiling of Cambodia ASEAN Para Games 2023 Wheelchair Basketball Squad," he added.

For Michael Tuon, Team USA Basketball Gold certified and National Wheelchair Basketball Association ("NWBA") certified coach, this will be yet an exciting journey as he heads the basketball coaching with CWBF for the Cambodian wheelchair basketball squad.

"Many of our athletes have overcome obstacles I can't imagine. They are resilient and will not let anything stop them from pursuing their dreams. To help support their progress, we've developed a Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) plan to ensure that our athletes keep growing and improving. We are excited to see what the future holds for Cambodian athletics," said Michael Tuon.

When the players take the floor at next year's games, they will be wearing freshly designed blue, red, and white uniforms that showcase the Kingdom's national colors with a new national crest that incorporates Cambodia's cultural icons like the Romdoul flower and Angkor Wat temple.

Further details of the crest and jersey design are included in this press kit.