Myanmar’s first parachute federation is flying into Yangon.
Since the 1990s, a group of 53 free falling enthusiasts have been jumping all over Myanmar. But only now is the Myanmar Parachute Federation becoming an officially registered non-governmental organisation.
The country’s first parachute organisation joined the ranks of parachuting clubs around the world on May 27 at the official launch at Kyitekasan Stadium where athletes demonstrated free falling techniques with a power parachute paraglider.
The Myanmar Parachute Federation hopes to inspire the next generation of free fallers and to bring a world class parachuting experience to the country.
“We’re tapping into the adventurous spirit of young people. Parachuting is healthy and can give young people more self-confidence as opposed to using drugs or alcohol,” said one of the Federation’s organisers, Daw Myat Myat Khine.
Their first mission? To organise a jumping trip from a moving plane.
In addition, the Federation plans to train people who want to learn freefall parachuting.
“Currently, our office and training field will take place at Kyitekasan stadium. We will start our training with twelve lessons including what to do once you’ve jumped and of course, how to land,” said Daw Myat Myat Khine who will also be the trainer.
Though the training field will be in Yangon, aspiring parachuters can soon free fall over a wide range of Myanmar sites.
“Parachuting can happen anywhere the Federation chooses,” Daw Myat Myat Khine said. “For example if one wants to parachute over Ngwe Saung beach then the plane will just have to depart from Pathein airport.”
Regional parachuting trips will kick off towards the end of the year or early 2018 she noted.
Anyone over 18 years of age is allowed to join. The Federation welcomed over 100 new applicants on May 27.
Members receive one free training session at Kyitekasan stadium but parachuting a plane will come with a price tag.
The Federation is also building an indoor skydiving centre in Nine Mile area of Yangon for better, more realistic training.
For more information, check out the Myanmar Parachute Federation page on Facebook.
Source: Myanmar Times
