Triathlon; guts, strength, determination, fortitude, willpower and cash, yes – cash.
of 200,000 baht – £3,500!
need more money than, er, the indigenous population.
 |
| Challenge Family CEO Felix Walschofer and Debbie Dionysius, Laguna Race director last year. |
now hit the world of sport the one thing that is said to bring the world together and out of conflict.”
will have to pay nearly 8000 Thai baht £147.27 while Thais Triathletes will pay half that.
by a German based company and a lecturer at Thailand’s prestigious Thammasat
University has lodged a complaint.
The issue was raised last year when Roman Floesser the Phuket event organiser commented”
Floesser “It’s actually not that the foreign athletes are paying more, it’s that the locals are paying less or a discounted fee. The entry fee is in line with other Challenge races in the world and so is the service and standard of race organization and hence the cost of putting on the event. If we were to charge the full entry fees to locals we would price 90% of them out of the race and we would have a very hard time receiving the local support from the government, police and other agencies to put on the race.”
claimed that the policy is not only racist, but also financially unsound.
he asks:
Simon Stewart “How many other events give a discount based on race,
nationality or skin colour? It really is that simple and requires no further
explanation. How would things play out if you gave a ‘discount’ to
Germans and anyone else living in Germany (non-Germans) was then charged
double.”
“This is illegal under European law (a law under
which the Challenge company operates) and is certainly unethical and runs
counter to any moral and sporting ethos that I am aware of.
“Racism and discrimination is not a local issue, especially
where sport is concerned. Sport should be inclusive. I would like Challenge to
actually commit to that ethos.”
Triathlon participants and stated:
“I have evidence which demonstrates that
Thai triathletes (93%) have a higher disposable income than the average expat
(triathletes). So, given that, I fail to see why you have implemented your
discriminatory policies.”
“I truly hope that you never feel the bitter sting of
discrimination in your life. I can tell you that it leaves you shattered. The
feeling of being treated differently, more negatively, due to the colour of
your skin, is a feeling I wish on no one. As a victim of discrimination I can
testify that it is the worst experience I have ever suffered.”
The Challenge-Family were sticking to their guns. Their Director of Marketing and Operations Victoria Murray-Orr said: “
“As we have explained to Simon Stewart, Challenge Family entry fees are set at a consistent level at all our races around the world. Challenge Laguna Phuket offers a discounted entry to Thai athletes to encourage participation. This same strategy is adopted the world over to encourage entries. Local tri clubs are offered discounts for their members, media and pro athletes are offered free or discounted entries, and those who enter early are also offered discounts.”
“But we are locals,” insists Simon Stewart. “These charges apply to all foreigners, even if they have resident permits, work permits, whatever.”
Another smaller triathlon in Hua Hin had stopped two tier pricing.
Comment: I am not sure I feel the ‘bitter sting of discrimination’ in Thailand when I am asked to pay double entry as a foreigner, though of course it is discriminatory, but I do feel the bitter sting of rip-off. I usually get the kids to cry which usually works though. Needless to say I will not be entering this years Laguna Triathlon.
From my friend who runs in half marathons this kind of discrimination comes in many forms. He once advised me that prize money was withheld from non-Asian runners although the marathon was advertised as International. Although I cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that my friend gave me this article does not surprise me. I don't believe the organizers appreciate the larger implications however small this form of discrimination may appear.
When Challenge announced they were taking over the Phuket Festival I went to enter online, to my amazement they were charging 1275 THB entry processing fee yet they pay their Thai office staff not much more than the basic wage, I posted a comment on their Facebook page but go no response.