Laos is ready to host the 25th SEA Games, which is scheduled to open at the beginning of next month, according to a top government official.
“Judging from the progress made in various work activities, we can now announce that we are fully prepared to successfully host the 25th SEA Games,” Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara announced on Wednesday.
He made the announcement during a briefing session on the SEA Games for ministers responsible for information from Asean and dialogue partners of China , Japan and South Korea who are attending the 10th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information and related meetings in Vientiane this week.
The briefing session was also attended by Minister of Information and Culture Mounkeo Oraboun.
Dr Bosengkham said the construction of the new National Stadium, which will be used to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, is 100 percent complete.
The sports complex, which is located some 16 km outside of central Vientiane , consists of a football stadium, two indoor stadiums, tennis courts, swimming pools, and shooting and archery ranges, and can seat 20,000 spectators.
The renovation of the Chao Anouvong Stadium (formerly the National Stadium) in the city centre is also complete, he said, and will host the qualifying rounds of the men's football event.
Construction of the boxing arena in Beungkhanhong village, the National Sports Training Centre in Sikeut village, and two indoor stadiums at the National University of Laos Dongdok campus are all 100 percent complete.
Other sports venues, including the Budo Centre in downtown Vientiane , and the Indoor Sports Complex will be finished this month, he said.
Dr Bosengkham said adequate, secure, and comfortable accommodation facilities are in place for athletes, referees, tourists and media.
The newly built SEA Games Village in Nongviengkham village, Xaythany district, near the Dongdok campus can accommodate 4,000 athletes . The village also includes offices and a canteen.
The government has selected a number of hotels and guesthouses to accommodate more than 3,000 tourists and media representatives during the games, he said.
The government has also provided guidance to hotels and restaurants on observing strict hygiene practices and providing clean food.
Dr Bosengkham said the government has appointed a health committee to prevent outbreaks of influenza A(H1N1), and thermal scanning equipment has been installed at several international border checkpoints.
The government will also introduce measures to facilitate immigration procedures at border checkpoints in the lead-up to and during the games.
Dr Bosengkham said the government has exerted every effort to build the necessary infrastructure for the games.
A number of countries, in particular Asean nations and local and international companies, have lent their support to the government for the games, he added.
By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes
