The 7th annual Ladyboy Water Volleyball event (LBWVB) in 2018 continues to grow in stature. It is the largest one-day charity event in Pattaya and Eastern Thailand. This year 885,000 baht was raised, with 600,000 baht going directly to the chosen charities. Only printing costs and rental of the venue, plus other unavoidable costs, including direct expenses of 146,000 baht were deducted, leaving 139,000 baht to be carried forward for the 2019 event.

Three charities were nominated and approved for 2018:

• Pattaya Orphanage – (who were the original inspiration behind the event)
• Take Care Kids – a refuge for abused children and mothers
• Water 4 Life – a project providing free drinking water for 200 poor families in Mai Sot

As usual the event was staged at the Areca Lodge Hotel on Soi Diana in Pattaya, as it is one of the only hotels in the city with a suitable pool. The volleyball matches and festivities, including cheerleading teams and DJ, commenced at 1:00 pm, with 5 teams competing with each other. The teams practiced hard for weeks before the tournament in hopes of becoming this years champions and carrying away this year’s trophy.

The event included exciting cheerleader performances from the five competing teams, adding colour and spectacle to the afternoon matches. In the evening, during an international buffet for ticket holders, there was a Lucky Dip draw of 54 prizes and an auction.

Diners at the buffet were also entertained by a troupe of children from Pattaya Orphanage, who practiced their song performances for weeks before the event. It is one of the highlights of the year for the kids, and a one the favorite parts of the event for attendees as it gives them an opportunity to see people whose lives are being helped through their donations.

The three designated charities received their donation by cashier cheque, and the prizes were presented by Tony Sales to all five teams:

Winners: Green Hornets
Runners-up: Golden Eagles
Best Cheerleader squad (decided by official photographers): Green Hornets
The Player of the Day special prize: Catty from Golden Eagles

The whole event was attended by 250 guests many of whom make the trip every year in support of this unique and fun sporting soiree. They come from from all over the world to join their expat friends in Thailand, local Thais, and the volunteers from the event. Ladyboy Water Volleyball is now firmly established as a “not to miss event” every November in Pattaya. We look forward to seeing you all in 2019!