The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee held a fund raising dinner at Lao-ITECC on Friday in support of the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December.
The committee netted donations totalling over 900 million kip and US$358,000 respectively in cheques, 116.9 million kip and US$132,000 in cash, and equipment worth over US$300,000 from local and foreign businesses attending the dinner.
The biggest contribution came from Chinese investors Golden Boten City Co., Ltd., who donated US$160,000 (more than 1 billion kip).
The event was attended by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the SEA Games Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, sports officials and company representatives.
Mr Somsavat thanked the guests for their valued contributions to the games and expressed his confidence in the success of the tournament thanks to such support.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the SEA Games Federation. Although Laos has been involved in the games since the beginning, this is the first time the country has been given the chance to host the prestigious event.
Mr Somsavat said the level of sports being played in Laos had improved to the point where the country was ready to take on the competition, and event organising had also reached the required standard.
The games have been organised through a combined effort by the Lao government and neighbouring countries with the assistance of many local and foreign companies.
Mr Somsavat expressed his satisfaction that the necessary infrastructure would be completed in time for the event, and urged the continued support of all Lao people including those living overseas in the lead-up to the games.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
