Thousands of athletes from neighbouring countries will be enjoying the atmosphere and comfort of the athletes village during the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December.
The SEA Games Organising Committee held a meeting at the village on Wednesday to discuss an outline for the village's management.
The discussions centred largely on the logistical operation of the village, with the committee having to arrange security, healthcare, cleaning, transportation, communication, shops, electricity, water and laundry for the athletes.
Vice Chairman of the committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-Akhom said the safety of athletes is a top priority, and he would like to have security teams in the village to inspect everyone who enters.
The committee will hold a welcoming ceremony for the athletic teams from neighbouring countries, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SEA Games.
The committee will also present souvenirs to leaders from each of the competing countries.
There are also plans to decorate around the village to make it more appealing to the competitors.
Dr Phouthong said he is looking forward to providing the guests with a warm welcome, and he hopes they will leave happy and satisfied after their time in the village.
The village itself consists of eight four-storey dormitories which will house four thousand athletes, with four allocated to each room.
Vice President of the National University of Laos, Professor Lammai Phiphakhavong helped prepare a group to work in the village in March.
Officials from a number of hotels in Vientiane and 100 volunteers from the university will also lend their skills to help work at the village and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Every official from the committee and other ministries will undergo health checks before working in the village.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
