LAST May 10 (Friday) saw a memorable fight in the history of Chaweng Stadium on island as two pairs of Muay Thai fighters battle it out in the ring, not to gain personal fame and fortune, but to offer the proceeds of their match to charity.

Jungle Gym trainer Steve Howard said he has thought of organizing a Muay Thai charity fight, with him as one of the competitors in the main event.

Howard, a long time volunteer staff and coordinator of Koh Samui Hospital in Nathon and trainer/owner of Jungle Gym sports club, showed his form and flair on the white canvass and beat his worthy Thai opponent Phetkeeree of Team Sakkoomung in the 154-pound weight category.

Jungle Gym is a new addition to the list of sports facility on island. The gym is located in Choeng Mon which is also home to Samui Soccer Stadium & Academy. Jungle Gym offers a variety of services to sports enthusiasts, body-building buffs, Thai boxers, and even health & fitness fanatics.

Howard thought of giving something of added value to Koh Samui Hospital other than his time and energy. He decided to come up with a novel idea of offering his kick boxing skills to the hospital in a way that would help draw money for the medical establishment.

Being a long time volunteer worker of the said hospital, Howard is aware it is in dire need of new medical equipment and medicine for treating countless patients brought in under its care.

Melinda Polo, co-owner of Jungle Gym and owner of Ananda Studio – a wellness spa and fitness center that supported the recent charity fight, said they were able to raise more than Bt90,000, which was handed over to Koh Samui Hospital.

Entrance tickets were sold at Bt1,000; Bt1,200; and Bt1,500.

The charity fight in Chaweng Stadium also witnessed a special match between a young Scottish kick boxer Robert Honey and Thai veteran fighter Rakchai (Team Jarernrit). The two fighters gave a good match for their eager audience in the stadium as they tried to outclass each other in the 170-pound weight division. In the end, Honey demonstrated more strength and endurance as Rakchai fell in the initial round due to a pain in the body suffered during earlier hits from Honey.

Some staff of Koh Samui Hospital watched the charity fight and took time to speak with Howard and Polo after the special matches. Those who came to watch the event were Sukanya Boonmee, Bhussarin Phu-Phaiboon, Jantra Uravapa, and Phacha Srisuwan. The hospital staff said Dr. Siriphong Ruengsri, director of Koh Samui Hospital wasn’t able to attend the event due to a family emergency.

Polo said the event is the first of its kind on island, and that they all hope to organize another charity event of a different kind. She expressed interest in organizing a charity event for children of Samui next time, hoping to partner with Samui Soccer Stadium & Academy as the latter is gearing up for the launching of the 2010 World Cup.

In an interview with Polo on the night of the charity fight, she expressed her deep gratitude to all friends and people who watched the two special matches of Howard and Honey.

Polo’s Ananda Studio is a serene, close-to-nature health & fitness facility within the lush gardens and palm trees of Naisoun Resort where Jungle Gym is also situated. Ananda Studio offers yoga for both adults and children, pilates, yogalates (a combination of yoga and pilates exercises), and pranayama, which is practically a breathing exercise that helps clear and cleanse the body and mind in preparation for meditation.