Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) presents world-class sports and corporate events centre at World Sport Destination Expo.

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/11/2010 -- The groundbreaking Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) is poised to become Asia's pre-eminent competition, training and event complex when it opens this November. Combining a brilliant location with top rated facilities, it is already attracting interest from respected global sporting institutions and international corporations. The PIASLC selected the prestigious World Sports Destination Expo, in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the global event to launch itself to the world as a premier sports and corporate event facility in Thailand.

The USD45 million complex is set on 54 acres of land in the north-eastern region of Phuket, Thailand, boasts an extensive array of high-class sporting facilities including an International Rugby Board-standard rugby pitch, FIFA-approved Limonta "Soccer Pro'' soccer field, Phuket's only competition standard 50-metre swimming pool, a six court tennis academy, a 500 metre athletics running track and a StarTrac equipped hi-tech gymnasium, as well as a dedicated arts centre and a Thai Herbal Garden Spa to compliment the sports facilities.

There are also two boutique hotels, offering 115 well-appointed rooms and suites to individual athletes, teams and corporate groups. The club has rapidly gained recognition through high-profile affiliations with global sporting organisations such as Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS), NZRugbyResources (NZRR), and US-based IronKids Triathlon with more announcements pending in relation to tennis and swimming.

PIA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nick Seaver, said the PIASLC is being positioned as Asia's finest destination not only for sports, but also for corporate events such as conferences, incentives, retreats and teambuilding. "Being in Phuket is a big advantage. It is not only an exotic location but the most exciting component of what we are doing is that every element of the club has been planned down to the finest detail from using cutting edge materials and equipment to employing the most qualified staff to manage and coach at the club," Mr Seaver added. "As a fully-integrated complex, we are also going to be the perfect location for companies looking to build something active, creative or wellness inspired into their event programmes."

NZRugbyResources Director, David Adamson, said the PIASLC's NZRugbyResources Rugby Academy facilities were "second to none" in the region and perfect for conducting elite and amateur training camps and competitions. "Rugby is an extremely popular sport throughout Asia and growing in numbers every year and NZRugbyResources believes this is the finest training and playing facility in Asia. It is just amazing how much detail has gone into the planning," Mr Adamson said.

Another key partnership for junior athletes has been with the internationally-renowned Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS) after officials from the organisation inspected the purpose-built floodlit artificial turf soccer field at the PIASLC and endorsed the club as its official home in Phuket.

The PIASLC has also confirmed an affiliation with the US-based IronKids programme. This partnership will focus on bringing four junior Triathlon events per year as well as training camps for children aged between 6 and 15.

Mr Seaver added that to achieve partnerships with such esteemed organisations was a solid endorsement of the meticulous planning that has gone into the design and construction of PIASLC.

Phuket International Academy (PIA) is an integrated facility boasting Phuket's newest international Day School, a multi-faceted Sports and Leisure Club for elite athletes, amateur enthusiasts, artists and wellness seekers in the Mind Centre sanctuary that provides training in the cultivation of mental and emotional balance. PIA prides itself on being a responsible member of the community, operating with integrity as an equal opportunity employer and adhering to highest ethical standards to fulfil the intellectual, physical, creative and spiritual potential of all students, members and participants of the three centres. Located in the northern reaches of Phuket, just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, PIA also has two boutique hotels with a total of 115 rooms, and a broad range of facilities that are perfect for corporate retreats, seminars, incentives and teambuilding.

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Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club has appointed former professional tennis player David Roberts as Director of Operations.

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/06/2010 -- The high-performance Sports and Leisure Club at Phuket International Academy has made the key appointment of David Roberts as Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of the club.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Mr Roberts was a professional tennis player before moving into business management for various elite sporting facilities in Asia and at the Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) he will be primarily focussing on the co-ordination between club services, sports academies and membership programmes.

He has been at the helm of some of the largest private clubs in Beijing and Shanghai. Prior to being recruited by the PIASLC, he was with the Centara Hotels and Resorts group.

Mr Roberts also brings his valuable experience in pre-openings to the PIASLC as it moves towards a November completion date and transition into full operations.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to join a visionary project and be a part of what is undoubtedly going to be one of the premier sports and training facilities in Asia," Mr Roberts said.

"There is a highly motivated team of people at the Sports and Leisure Club to ensure everything we do provides the highest levels of service to all of our members and guests and I am looking forward to help put Phuket on the map as the foremost destination for sports and training in Asia."

http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piaslc/

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Muay Thai Champion joins Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC). Former flyweight champion Prasert Intanoo will be introduced at an upcoming free workshop 15 May in Phuket.

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/09/2010 -- Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) has appointed one of Thailand's most renowned Muay Thai fighters "Thanootong'', Prasert (Nok) Intanoo, a previous national champion, to handle all instruction at the facility to introduce the skills and techniques of the ancient martial art.

The key appointment will be marked by a Muay Thai Open Day on May 15 where a workshop will be held at the PIASLC. The open day will focus on teaching the basic and fundamental techniques of Muay Thai and Boxing, allowing participants to thoroughly understand the movements and philosophy before expanding on their newly acquired skills. The workshop will be held from 15.00 to 16.30 and there are no fees. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piaslc/newsletter/newsletter10-april-10.html Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC) Free Muay Thai Workshop

The move is a further example of the new Phuket-based facility ensuring top experts in their sporting disciplines work at the PIASLC in its bid to become a leading sports and leisure facility in Asia.

Khun Prasert was a Muay Thai professional boxer for 15 years with an impressive 70 wins to his name, showing promise at an early age when he was national champion in the fly weight division at 17 years old.

He graduated from Taksin University in Songkhla Province with a degree in physical education and went on to work for the Marriott hospitality group for nine years as a Muay Thai instructor while overseeing wellness, corporate teambuilding and kid's zone activities in his role as Recreation Supervisor. Khun Prasert is also a qualified Pilates teacher and personal trainer and certified by the Thai Yoga Institute as a teacher.

For further information, please call Nok on +66 (0)76 336 000 or email him on activities@phuketinternationalacademy.com . http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piaslc/ Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC)

About Phuket International Academy (PIA)
http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com Phuket International Academy (PIA) is an integrated facility boasting Phuket's newest international Day School, a multi-faceted Sports and Leisure Club for elite athletes, amateur enthusiasts, artists and wellness seekers in the Mind Centre sanctuary that provides training in the cultivation of mental and emotional balance. PIA prides itself on being a responsible member of the community, operating with integrity as an equal opportunity employer and adhering to highest ethical standards to fulfil the intellectual, physical, creative and spiritual potential of all students, members and participants of the three centres. Located in the northern reaches of Phuket, just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, PIA also hosts two 38-room boutique hotels and a broad range of facilities that are perfect for corporate retreats, seminars, teambuilding and seminar programmes.

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“Genuine Happiness Retreat” led by Dr. B. Alan Wallace launches new Mind Centre in Phuket, Thailand on April 10th.

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2010 -- Thailand's newest and most innovative international education, sports and leisure facility, the Phuket International Academy (PIA), is opening its internationally rated Mind Centre for balance and well being with world renowned mentor B. Alan Wallace at the helm. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piamc/

The PIA Mind Centre (PIAMC) will launch on April 10 with a two-day weekend "Genuine Happiness Retreat" focusing on two methods for cultivating meditative quiescence or shamatha, led by Dr Wallace (pictured).

In 1975, Dr Wallace was ordained as a Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama and lived as a fully ordained monk for 12 years and has intermittently served as a translator to the Dalai Lama since 1979. He has studied Buddhism in Germany, Sri Lanka, India, Switzerland and the United States since 1970 and earned his doctorate in religious studies from Stanford University in 1995.

The Genuine Happiness Retreat will initially focus on the practice of "mindfulness of breathing", which is an effective method for soothing the body and calming the mind. A second method that will be taught is both a shamatha practice and an "insight meditation" (vipashyana) called "settling the mind in its natural state".

"This weekend retreat is designed to serve anyone who wishes to explore their inner resources for experiencing genuine happiness and a more meaningful life," Dr Wallace said.

PIA deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nick Seaver, said the opening of the Mind Centre with this two-day retreat will be a significant milestone in the academy's journey to becoming a fully integrated education and wellness destination.

"Alan Wallace is one of the world's foremost authorities in meditative learning and this retreat will be one of the highest profile of its kind ever to be held in Thailand," Mr Seaver said.

"The Genuine Happiness Retreat will be the first of many programmes we will be running at this purpose-built facility and our aim is to grow it into the premier facility of its type in Asia."

The Phuket International Academy is a USD45 million new facility on 135 rai of land in the north-eastern part of Phuket island, incorporating three integrated centres: PIA Mind Centre, PIA Day School and the PIA Sports and Leisure Club.

To book a place in the Genuine Happiness Retreat on April 10 and 11, please call the Phuket International Academy Mind Centre on + 66 (0) 76 336 000 or email Primporn on primporn@phuketinternationalacademy.com

Phuket International Academy (PIA) is an integrated facility boasting Phuket's newest international Day School, a multi-faceted Sports and Leisure Club for elite athletes, amateur enthusiasts, artists and wellness seekers in the Mind Centre sanctuary that provides training in the cultivation of mental and emotional balance. PIA prides itself on being a responsible member of the community, operating with integrity as an equal opportunity employer and adhering to highest ethical standards to fulfil the intellectual, physical, creative and spiritual potential of all students, members and participants of the three centres. Located in the northern reaches of Phuket, just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, PIA also hosts two 38-room boutique hotels and a broad range of facilities that are perfect for corporate retreats, seminars, teambuilding and seminar programmes.

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International school in Thailand is accepting registrations for the upcoming school year, with fee incentives for early enrolment, and full and partial scholarships available for qualified applicants.

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2010 -- Thailand's newest and most innovative international education, sports and leisure facility, the Phuket International Academy (PIA), is now accepting local and expatriate registrations for the 2010/2011 academic year for its international day school.

The Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS), one of the three centres at PIA, is being positioned as an exclusive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum campus and has hired a strong team of highly qualified and experienced teachers to provide an exceptional education. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piads/

As a new school, it is offering parents the chance to take advantage of registration benefits if they enrol their children before April 19 for the upcoming school year. Full and partial tuition scholarships are also available.

The benefits for registering early for the next school year from August 25 to June 23, 2011, include a reduction in school fees.

The full and partial scholarships are available to students in the following areas: academic excellence, outstanding ability in visual or performing arts, and proven talent in swimming or martial arts.

These scholarships are open to students in Grades 6 up to and including Grade 9.

PIADS Executive Chairman, Lister Hannah, said the school had been given exhaustive resources to manage the school which was a distinct advantage for students and parents seeking a quality education in Phuket.

Mr Hannah has been involved with all three IB programmes (Diploma, Middle Years and Primary Years) since the mid-1970s. He has also headed some of the world's top IB schools and is the founding President of the renowned Prem Center in Chiang Mai.

"We have a long-term mission to establish our school and its community as one of the outstanding educational institutions in Asia, providing exceptional, world-class programmes balanced with a healthy and active lifestyle, and overseen by excellent, committed teachers and administrators," Mr Hannah said.

"Having led high-achieving IB schools around the world, I have no doubt we are laying the foundations now for an outstanding PIADS."

The Phuket International Academy is a USD45 million new facility on 135 rai of land in the north-eastern part of Phuket island, incorporating three integrated centres: PIA Day School, the PIA Sports and Leisure Club and the PIA Mind Centre.

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A specialised international lifesaving and first aid water safety training programme has been launched for Thailand resort island pool and beach lifeguards by Phuket International Academy (PIA).

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2010 -- The Phuket International Academy (PIA) is setting new standards for high level water safety training for the island's pool and beach lifeguards with the launch of a specialised international lifesaving and first aid course, the first of its type in Phuket.

The course was launched just three weeks ago and has already signed up some of the island's leading hospitality brands such as Sala Phuket, JW Marriott, Anantara and Renaissance as well as Phuket's leading security manpower firm, Siam Guardian Services.

With water safety a key component of any holiday or residential community in an island environment, PIA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nick Seaver, said taking the lead and lifting standards in all areas of life saving and associated first aid techniques was the core aim of the programme. http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com/piaslc/

Courses will take place at PIA's aquatic complex which includes 50 metre and 25 metre pools built to FINA standards. On-going training is provided both at PIA and at beach locations so that both pool and ocean rescue techniques can be practised.

"We are committed to raising the water safety standards on Phuket to an international level and intend not only to hold courses but to also provide ongoing training programmes for all lifeguards," Mr Seaver said.

"Our ongoing training is designed to provide weekly training sessions to all lifeguards with the intention of improving their swimming ability and continually practising lifeguard rescue techniques."

The PIA instructional course offers five levels, beginning from school-aged children to adults with instructors who are certified by the American Red Cross with course lengths varying from two days to four days.

Barrie Buck of Siam Guardian Services praised the PIA for taking the lead on the island towards a structured and well-planned water safety programme and has already had 10 guards graduate from course in March.

"Every place we supply security guards has a water feature, so we need our guards to be able to provide professional safety assistance if it is required," Mr Buck.

"It is so important for us to have all the guards comfortable around water."

The PIA also encompasses an exclusive international day school and the water safety and first aid courses form an integral part of the curriculum for students there as well.

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