Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the 25th SEA Games Organising Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, gathered diplomats yesterday to brief them on the status of the games in Vientiane .
During the briefing, Mr Somsavat pointed out that this year is the 50th founding anniversary of the Southeast Asian Games, or SEA Games, and although Laos is one of the founding nations, the country has never hosted the sports event. For this reason, the Lao people are very proud to be entrusted by member countries with the privilege of hosting the 2009 Games.
“I would like to inform you that based on the unanimous decision of the SEA Games Council, the upcoming event will be held from December 9-18 December in Vientiane ,” he said, adding that athletes will compete in 25 sports across 383 events.
He said that to fulfil its responsibility, the Lao government had exerted every effort to build the necessary infrastructure and mobilise local participation, while also gratefully noting that countries and companies from the region, especially Asean member countries and those in northeast Asia, had rendered strong support and assistance to Laos in various forms relating to the event.
During the meeting the chairman also reported on the progress of the new National Stadium at Km 1 6 in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district, which is now 100 percent complete. The sports complex consists of a main stadium that can seat 20,000 spectators, as well as two indoor stadiums, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and shooting and archery ranges.
“Right now, the committee is undertaking an on-site technical inspection of the sport venues, buildings, electricity and water supplies, after which a handover ceremony of the premises will take place on September 22. We are planning to use the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies of the games and the final of the men's football tournament,” Mr Somsavat said.
He also reported on the processes of the stadium relating to how the games will function, using the indoor and outdoor courts at Chao Anouvong stadium in Anou village, Chanthabouly district, Lao-ITECC, Beungkhayong stadium, Don Chan Palace hotel and facilities at the National University of Laos.
The briefing also detailed food and accommodation arrangements, competition rules and referees, athletes, city decoration, health, IT systems, transportation and traffic routes during the games, particularly those at border crossings.
“The 25th SEA Games Organising Committee has laid out appropriate measures to facilitate and ensure safety for participants at international border checkpoints including Wattay International Airport , the Friendship Bridge and other borders throughout the country,” Mr Somsavat said.
During the meeting Thai Ambassador to Laos Wiboon Khusakul asked the chairman if the government could lengthen opening times at the Friendship Bridges in Vientiane and Savannakhet province. Other diplomats also raised questions related to the games which were responded to by the organising committee.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
