Paris, France – The Baan Muaythai (Muaythai House) at the Teddy Riner Arena concluded its successful nine-day series of Muaythai seminars and workshops, drawing a full house of enthusiastic participants. The event, held in the spirit of community and charity, became a highlight of the Paris 2024 Olympic festivities.
The most anticipated moment of the event was a seminar led by three Muaythai superstars: Buakaw Banchamek, Jimmy Vienot, and Iman Barlow. Their presence and expertise captivated the audience, providing an unforgettable experience for all involved. The cap was set at 300 participants which only took one day to fill the vacant seats, so IFMA opened up a second round and it was really overcapacity.
True to the values of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), the organisation did not charge for participation in these workshops. Instead, participants were encouraged to bring social donations, this time in support of the homeless community in Paris. The response was overwhelming, with athletes and attendees contributing over 1,000 bags of equipment, filling an entire container destined for those in need on the streets of Paris.
The event saw the participation of over 350 athletes and coaches from more than 20 countries, highlighting the global reach and unity within the Muaythai community. Alongside these participants, many VIPs, including members of the IOC Executive Board, the National Olympic Committee of France, officials from the City of Paris, royalty, and other distinguished guests, attended to show their support and encouragement for this noble initiative.
Muaythai superstar and IFMA Ambassador for Paris 2024, Buakaw Banchamek, together with Jimmy Vienot and Iman Barlow, expressed their deep pride in being part of this impactful initiative. Buakaw reflected on the experience, stating, “This has been one of the brightest moments in my Muaythai career. Being part of the Muaythai House and contributing to such a meaningful cause is truly special.” The sentiment was echoed by his fellow athletes, who underscored the importance of using Muaythai as a vehicle for social good.
IFMA remains committed to using Muaythai to give back to society and create a better tomorrow. This successful initiative at Baan Muaythai is a testament to the sport’s power to unite people and make a positive difference in the world. The many VIPs from the Olympic Movement and Royalties praised IFMA for using major events which started at the Olympics in Rio, the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, SportAccord Conventions and now Paris 2024 outlining that IFMA is more than just a sport organization, it demonstrates the Olympic Values in action and is rightfully recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
A big thank you must to go everyone who came to support. Certainly the participants who all brought donations, the VIPs, the instructors, the City of Paris, the French Olympic Committee and certainly the National French Federation under the leadership of Nadir Allouache.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the superstars, all participants, and the City of Paris for making this event an outstanding success. Vive la France!
