Patuxay clock will count down to SEA Games 
Photo: Victory gate or Patouxay in the heart of Vientiane, Laos
A clock will be installed at the Patuxay Monument in Vientiane on New Year's Eve to start the countdown to the SEA Games in December next year.
Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Saphouvong said the installation of the clock would be a spectacular event and would also include the official presentation of 100 Miss SEA Games representatives to the public.
“We have already set up a committee to organise the event. The start of the countdown will be one of the biggest events ever staged at Patuxay,” he said.
Several songs composed especially for the SEA Games will also be introduced to the public for the first time on New Year's Eve.
Mr Bouangeun said popular older and younger singers would be invited to take part in the celebrations.
Members of the public and VIP guests can reserve tables at the event, which will feature a variety of entertainment shows and activities. Mascots and SEA Games souvenirs will be on sale during the evening.
More than 180 women applied to be Miss SEA Games, and the committee has chosen 100 of them to participate in the games next year. They will be trained how to interact with and greet guests politely, walk elegantly, speak English, and acquire general knowledge in preparation for the event.
Eleven country placard bearers will be selected from the 100 representatives to take part in the stadium parade that precedes the games.
After the countdown clock is installed, fireworks will light up the sky to mark the occasion and bring in the New Year.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
