The Lao National Sports Committee yesterday held its eighth meeting at the Prime Minister's Office to evaluate preparations for the 25 th SEA Games to be held in Laos next year.
Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the 25 th SEA Games Organising Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, ministers and senior officials from the sports committee attended the meeting. 
Photo: New stadium for 25th SEA Games in Laos
President of the Lao National Sports Committee and Vice Chairman of 25 th SEA Games Organising Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom, reported on the progress made in the run-up to the games.
“The committee is concerned about the standard of information technology equipment to be installed at the new stadium,” Dr Phouthong said.
Two months ago, professionals from Malaysia and Thailand came to Laos to advise the committee on the necessary equipment.
The sports committee is organising the SEA Games, which will consist of 25 sports.
Referees and organising committees from the 25 sports federations will be responsible for judging during competition.
The sports committee is overseeing repairs to existing stadiums and access roads. At present the main stadium, which will be used for major football matches and the opening and closing ceremonies, is 35 percent complete.
The committee is asking local companies to provide funding to support the games.
Ministers and senior officials reported on the progress they had made in preparation for the games.
The Ministry of Information and Culture is responsible for the performances at the opening and closing ceremonies. It will need about 5,000 people to perform in various events and will invite singers from 11 other countries to take part.
“Government organisations are responsible for all aspects of the games and for carrying out checks on all services provided,” Mr Somsavat said.
Organisations will monitor water supply, hotels and security, as well as the airports in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces.
Lao teams are competing in eight sports and will undergo training in Vietnam from June to September in agreement with the government of Vietnam . The Lao football team will be one of the teams training in Vietnam .
The sports committee is also sending referees for training overseas so they are qualified to judge in the games.
“Every referee will undergo a training course before the games,” Mr Somsavat said.
