The Lao National Sports Committee will deploy more than 4,000 volunteers and liaison officials to assist at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane in December.
Currently, some 2,600 volunteers and liaison officials are undertaking training at the National University of Laos (NUOL).
Many of the volunteers are students from the university and other colleges in Vientiane .
The volunteers and liaison officials will be split into teams responsible for promotional activities, welcoming athletes and delegates, marketing and other works.
Dean of the Faculty of Letters at NUOL, Associate Prof Dr Bouasavanh Keovilay said further training courses will be organised this month.
Around 120 teachers from the university will manage the volunteer and liaison teams during the event.
Dr Bouasavanh said 27 females and males will be selected to make announcements at events during the games.
The volunteer and liaison teams will work together with the Miss SEA Games ambassadors to ensure all guests are well taken care of.
A training course for the groups commenced last Wednesday at the university, conducted by Vice President of the Lao National Sports Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa.
At the five day course, participants will learn about the history of the SEA Games, the sports included in this year's games, general knowledge, as well as Lao culture, history, and tourist attractions.
Mr Somphou said the groups play an important role in ensuring the games run smoothly.
The volunteers were involved in an extensive selection process before being chosen. Excellent English language and general knowledge skills were required.
Registration is still open for those interested in working as liaison staff or volunteers during the games. Applications close at the end of this month.
The university is seeking more than one billion kip from the government to fund the training courses for the volunteers ahead of the games.
Volunteers will look after guests to the games. During the games themselves, liaison staff will accompany athletes as they travel from one venue to another and assist with public security.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
