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.
Digital Marketing
Angelina Messina
Obtained Bachelors Degrees in Economics and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh where she completed two marketing internships. An accomplished athlete she was a member of the Pitt Swim & Dive team, U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier and member of the Lao National Team.
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.
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.
