Bangkok, Thailand, August 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Sophia Montgomery will represent Thailand at the U21 World Championships in Portugal. Centara Hotels and Resorts is a co-sponsor of Thai sailor Sophia Montgomery, who is preparing to participate in the 2022 ILCA U21 World Championships in Portugal.

The sponsorship is part of Centara's commitment to supporting women in sports and young Thai female athletes on their path to international sporting success. Sophia, who competes in the Laser Radial (ILCA 6) individual category, will participate in the World Championships, taking place from August 21st to 28th in the southern Portuguese resort of Vilamoura, along with approximately 240 athletes from 41 countries.

“At Centara, we want to inspire people to follow their dreams, and Sophia perfectly embodies this goal with her incredible talent and optimistic outlook on life,” said Centara CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat. “Sophia is an inspiration to us all – she is already well on her way to qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and in addition to her sporting achievements, she has recently begun studying and sailing at the prestigious Harvard University.”

Sophia comes from a family of sports enthusiasts and also holds a black belt in Taekwondo. However, her greatest sporting passion has developed into sailing.

“I love sailing because it’s so complex and demanding, both physically and mentally, due to the environmental conditions,” said Sophia Montgomery. “With so many variables, every race is unpredictable and requires constant quick thinking: anticipating, analyzing, and adapting. I’m very grateful to Centara for the sponsorship, which allows me not only to pursue my passion but also to work towards my goal of representing Thailand at the 2024 Olympic Games.”

Sophia was born and raised in Thailand. She attended Sarasas Ektra School and NIST International School, graduating in May 2021.

Centara's support for Sophia follows the company's sponsorship of Thai football club Chonburi for the 2020-2021 season.

About Centara: Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading hotel operator. Its 91 hotels and resorts are located across all major destinations in Thailand, as well as in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. Centara's portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxurious island resorts and family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts featuring innovative technology. Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centers and owns the award-winning spa brand Cenvaree. Across all its hotels and resorts, Centara embodies the hospitality and values ​​for which Thailand is renowned: attentive service, excellent cuisine, luxurious spas, and the importance of family. Thanks to its unique culture and the variety of hotel formats, Centara can appeal to and satisfy travelers of almost any age and with different lifestyles.

Centara aims to become one of the world's 100 largest hotel groups within the next five years, while simultaneously expanding its presence to new continents and market segments. With Centara's continued expansion, a growing base of loyal customers will experience the company's unique style of hospitality in an increasing number of locations. The global loyalty program Centara The1 rewards this loyalty with rewards, benefits, and special member rates.