Lao International Sports

Lao International Sports NFP (LIS) is an all volunteer organization that is dedicated to facilitating athletic exchange between the overseas Lao communities and the people of Laos. The mission of the organization is to identify, qualify, and help fund internationally competitive athletes that wish to represent Laos in international competition and to facilitate athlete exchanges. This includes hosting athletic camps and clinics in Laos, sponsoring Lao athlete visits to the U.S.A. and other activities. The organization was a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit however the legal entity was dissolved in August of 2024. We continue to operate as an informal organization that guides athletes through the process of representing Laos in international competition however all activities related to fundraising have been suspended.

Meet the Team

Directors & Advisors

President -BOD / LASHOF Co-Founder

John Messina

Born in California. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an M.B.A from West Texas A&M University. 25+ years of business experience. Former youth soccer coach. Assistant coach to Lao National Swim Team at 2023 SEA Games. LASHOF Co-Founder

Vice President -BOD

Nara Sihavong

Born in Vientiane, Laos. B.A. in International Relations from George Mason University and an M.B.A from the University of Phoenix. 30+ years of business experience including non-profits. Former NCAA DI wrestler and wrestling coach since 1990. Lao National Wrestling Team coach at 2023 SEA Games and Asian Games.

Secretary/Treasurer -BOD

Ly Samayavong Messina

Born in Vientiane, Laos. Holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Designed/developed several infrastructure projects in and around Las Vegas, NV. Served as a middle school athletic director and fundraising event chair.

Athlete Advisor / LASHOF Co-Founder

Ko Chandetka

Originally from Savannakhet, Laos, and lives in South Elgin, IL. Former IFBB Pro Bodybuilder and Mr. Olympia finalist. Subject of the movie, Fallen Star Rising Sun and book I am Phoothaphone. Co-founder of LASHOF and host of the SEA4 Podcast.

Advisory Board

Koko Dirkzwager

Born in Vientiane, Laos. B.S. in accounting from Wichita State University and an M.B.A. from Friends University. Over 25 years of accounting and business experience. Assistant swim coach to the Lao National Team at the 2023 SEA Games.

Advisory Board

Xaybandith Rasphone

Holds degrees from Kharkiv State Economics University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Extensive international business experience. Elected Member of the National Parliament. General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation (LFF) from 2011 – 2017. Serving the Badminton Laos Federation since Aug 2020.

Athlete Advisor

Walter Sarnoi

Born in California. B.S. Degree in finance from Northern Michigan University. M.B.A. from Azusa Pacific University. Licensed Paramedic. WBC boxing title holder. Has represents Laos in multiple international competitions. Former City Council candidate.

Marketing & Promotion

Boi Singharaj

Born in Vientiane Laos and came to the U.S.A. at 15 years old. Experienced entrepreneur in the restaurant and music industry. Over fifteen years of experience in marketing, branding, media and event management. CEO of Sabaidee Corporation. currently resides in the Dallas, TX area.

Director of Creative Content and Digital Strategy

Angelina Soulasinh

A graduate of Campbell University with a B.S. in Sports Communication and Minor in Sports Business. Athletics department intern/worker including managing digital/social media, marketing and producing streams for ESPN+ & Campbell. Currently an Assistant Athletics Director and Digital Media Teacher. Worked at Super Bowl LVI with the official Host Committee.

Advisory Board

Bounma Thammavong

Born in Laos and lives in Vientiane. Obtained a Master of Executive Management of Sports Organizations (MEMOS) in Barcelona. Extensive experience in the international sports industry. Currently the head of the Sports Development Division with the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports.

Advisory Board

Chiton Vuong

Born in Australia but lives in Vientiane, Laos. Studied at Victoria University. Over 20 years of experience managing various aspects of major sporting events. Established the Angkham Sports & Wellness Centre in Vientiane. Lao Tennis Federation board member.

Click Below to Learn More

Donate

LIS is 100% donor funded. Please consider supporting our mission through a personal or business donation.

Represent Laos

If you are an internationally competitive athlete that is interested in representing Laos in a competition such as the SEA Games

Join our Team

LIS is an all volunteer organization. We are in need of individuals to help in a variety of areas.