STANDARD CHARTERED BANK PRESENTS THE VIETNAM MEN TEAM US$40,000 PRIZE AWARD FOR THEIR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN THE GREATEST RACE ON EARTH 2007/08
HANOI, 03 April 2008 – Standard Chartered Bank presented the Vietnam Men Team with a US$40,000 cheque awarding for their first place in the South East Asia region in the Greatest Race on Earth 2007/08 series. The huge prize was awarded to the Vietnam Team by Mr. Ashok Sud, Standard Chartered’s Chief Executive for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, in a cozy celebration party at Hanoi Lake View on Thursday.
The congratulation party welcomed representatives of Vietnam Athletics Federation, coaches and athletes of Vietnam Teams who have participated in the races since 2004/05 series. Also attending the party were Standard Chartered’s business partners and staff.
The Vietnam Men Team this year comprising of the most excellent athletes at the National Sport Games’ Athletics Championship 2007, namely Nguyen Van Long, Nghiem Xuan Chung, Nguyen Dang Duc Bao and Bui Van Toan. The team completed the four challenging courses in impressive cumulative time of 10:46:43, giving Vietnam the first regional prize. The winners of the other Men’s National Challenges are Thailand (10:47:52) and Indonesia (11:27:15) won the second and third positions, respectively, in Southeast Asia region. This is the second time that Vietnam has won the top position in the region, repeating the country’s best results in GROE’s first season last 2004/05.
Standard Chartered Bank’s Chief Executive for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Mr. Ashok Sud said: “We are proud of the outstanding performance of the Vietnam Team. This achievement affirmed Standard Chartered’s continued belief that Vietnam is running for better future and for the development of the sports in the country.”
General Secretary of Vietnam Athletic Association, Mr. Hoang Manh Cuong said: “Such opportunity to be exposed to international competitions is a valuable experience for Vietnamese athletes to improve their own ability and skills. This year’s result has showcased such improvement.”
This is the fourth consecutive year that Standard Chartered Bank has sponsored the Vietnam National Marathon Team to take part in the Greatest Race On Earth, an unique international marathon competition that not only tests individual strength, but also emphasizes as much on collaboration and teamwork. The Vietnam Team competed in four series, and achieved the first prize in South East Asia region in 2004/05 and 2007/08 series.