Essendon great, Gary O'Donnell, with the Koto Kids at a Swannies' footy clinic, 14 March, 2011, Saigon.

Swannie, David Hadley, who has spent a lot of time with the KOTO Kids, writes about KOTO founder, Jimmy Pham, who was recognised earlier in the month with a Young Global Leader award from the World Economic Forum.

The Vietnam Swans would like to congratulate Jimmy Pham on being honoured as a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum.  KOTO and the Swans have forged a strong relationship over the past year both on and off the field.  The Swans have run numerous coaching clinics for the Koto trainees with the most famous being when AFL stars Gary O’Donnell and Nathan Buckley did a clinic in March, last year.

The enthusiasm that Jimmy has towards Koto rubs off on both the trainees and staff, as they are all committed to the fabulous organisation.  I have been privileged to see fresh classes of street and disadvantaged youths at Koto training centres, both in Hanoi and HCMC.  They start off shy and uncertain.  When you see them a month later, you see what a massive difference having the Koto support team makes.  They are outgoing, cheeky, fun and hardworking.

Have you ever eaten at a Koto restaurant?  The food and service are superb!

Congratulations again to Jimmy Pham and his hard working team at Koto.  The Vietnam Swans love your work!