With the support of the Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), KhmerCare and its partners have launched a $1 million crowd-funding campaign to support Team Cambodia as it prepares for the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which Cambodia will host for the first time in its history.
The campaign launch was held in Phnom Penh on February 14. Steven Path, founder and CEO of KhmerCare, explained that this would be the largest campaign the Cambodia-based crowd-funding company had undertaken.
“Through this crowd-funding initiative, anyone from everywhere can support Team Cambodia and encourage them to succeed in the competition. The funds raised will be used to purchase equipment, clothing, footwear and training facilities for the Cambodian national team members. It will also supplement the cash rewards that medal winners will earn,” he said.
Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of CAMSOC, affirmed that the development of sports in Cambodia is inseparable from the private sector.
“Although the government has allocated funds to support the national team, the participation of the private sector and philanthropists provides important motivation in encouraging the athletes to work harder to win medals for their nation. We call on all citizens, both here and abroad, to join Team Cambodia through the KhmerCare platform and support the $1 million fundraising campaign,” he said.
“This campaign is just the beginning. We will increase our goals as we achieve the previous ones. The money will be used transparently to meet the needs of each of the Kingdom’s athletes,” he added.
Following the announcement of the campaign, many companies and institutions have expressed their willingness to help. AIA Life Insurance Cambodia and ABA Bank, both major sponsors of the games, have said they will also take part in the KhmerCare crowd-funding.
“We are extremely proud that Cambodia is hosting the SEA Games for the first time, and this is why ABA has exclusively sponsored this historic event to the tune of $1.5 million. On top of this generous sponsorship, I am pleased to announce that ABA will be contributing another $150,000 to KhmerCare,” said Askhat Azhikhanov, CEO of ABA Bank.
Andrew Loh, CEO of AIA Cambodia, the official sponsor of life and health insurance for the 2023 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games, said: “KhmerCare’s crowd-funding will be useful in raising awareness and funds to support Team Cambodia. I am confident that the kindness and big hearts of the Cambodian people will ensure it is a success,” added Andrew Loh, CEO of AIA Cambodia, the official insurer of the games.
As of February 15, a total of $22.19k has been donated to KhmerCare.
