The 25th edition of the SouthEast Asian Games came to a spectacular end tonight where in true ASEAN spirit, songs from all participating countries marked the beginning of the closing ceremony at the Main Stadium. And as government leaders and VIP Guests slowly trickled into the gathering pace of songs, the marching in of the SEA Games flag began making their way into the stadium to the pace of the Laos Police Band. Athletes and officials in their different multi-coloured costumes but all in celebratory mood were then paraded in just prior to the giving of the official closing ceremony speech by the Laos Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Somsavat Lengsavad.
The flags of hosts Laos and also that of the SEA Games were lowered before the SEA Games flag was handed to the delegates from Indonesia to make their taking over of the next hosting job in 2011. That marked the start of the official cultural and artistic performance beginning with the 'Paddy Thrash Dance'.
Then came an ensemble of Laotian favourites of the 'Lao New Year' dance, the 'Rocket Festival' dance, the 'Boat Racing Festival' dance and which culminates in the 'Gather Together Again' dance - a performance from the delegation from Indonesia.
A spectacular display of fireworks to light the night sky then marked the end of the official closing ceremony and also a fabulous chapter to the 25th edition of the SEA Games when Laos played hosts to an incident-free meet.
The Media Communication Committee made a significant achievement in contributing to the success of the 25th SEA Games, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara said yesterday at a press conference at the Media Centre.
Dr Bosengkham, who is also Media Communication Committee Chairman for the 25th SEA Games, said “Information from reporters and the media contributed greatly to the success of the SEA Games. We made an admirable and significant contribution to the promotion of the event. Lao people living in the provinces and overseas and all those interested in the games received timely information. We saw people living in Vientiane respond and actively take part by attending events and showing their enthusiasm.” Dr Bosengkham said reporters and media organisations had benefited and raised their skill level through their coverage of the games. Reporters now knew how to better cover, send news and coordinate among themselves and other countries. The government has invested a large amount of money in the media to improve infrastructure, training and equipment.
“Feedback from the public suggests they think the media have done a good job, with presenters and reporters in the field giving good information,” Dr Bosengkham said.
The Media Communication Committee consists of five sub-committees, which all started preparing for the SEA Games in August 2008. They have promoted the event from December 2008 right up to the opening day of the SEA Games on December 9.
The committee and media organisations across the country created several special programmes for radio and television and published newspaper articles to deliver information to the public in a timely manner.
“All media organisations performed well in the important tasks the government assigned them,” Dr Bosengkham said.
More than 700 local journalists participated in covering various areas of news relating to the SEA Games.
“Reporters have been actively reporting news since before the start of the games until the opening ceremony,” Dr Bosengkham said.
Apart from this, 1,600 foreign journalists from Asean countries took part in the SEA Games, writing many articles about the event. People in Asean countries received information about the opening ceremony and every sporting event from journalists doing an important job in Laos .
The foreign news agencies took SEA Games news and produced TV programmes. They also booked a live broadcasting room. This allowed people living in Europe and the United States to watch the games.
Dr Bosengkham said Lao Channel 1, 3 and Lao Star broadcast their programmes to the world and in the Lao provinces. Local people and Lao people living overseas all enjoyed watching the games on these channels.
Despite gaining seven more gold medals yesterday, Laos remains at seventh place in the medal standings while Vietnam and Thailand are in a head to head battle for top honours.
The battle for medals will end this morning, with the afternoon set aside for preparations for the 25th SEA Games closing ceremony at the National Stadium.
The ceremony will begin at 5:10pm with musical entertainment, followed by a programme of performances and displays.
The first gold medals for Laos yesterday came in the morning thanks to experienced boxers in the muay Lao (kick boxing) ring with their haul of three gold medals in wushu sanshou at Lao-ITECC.
Some of the tactics used in muay Lao are very similar to those employed in wushu sanshou, which gave Laos the edge and brought them resounding success on home soil.
To date, the wushu team has taken five gold, two silver and four bronze medals. After the five muay Lao gold medals they earned earlier in the week, the team has become the most successful in Laos at the games.
The first gold of the day for Laos was a victory by Khamla Souphaphone after he easily beat Phan Van Hau of Vietnam in the men's 52kg boxing event. Khamla won the silver medal at the last SEA Games in 2007 in Thailand .
Khamla was the best boxer in the muay Lao ring with 70 fights to his credit. Muay Lao fans know him as Anantaxay Sor-souphaphone.
“This gold medal is a good token for me to welcome in the New Year of 2010 and also a wonderful reward after a long year of hard training,” Khamla said.
“I have to thank all of my supporters around the country, especially the people of my hometown of Nahai village in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane , for cheering me on to victory today.”
More gold medals in wushu followed from 2006 Asian Games silver medallist Phoxay Aphailath in the men's 56kg and Bouapha Valasith in the men's 60kg category.
Other gold medals taken by Lao athletes yesterday included one in the men's under 120kg judo event for Khemkham Kommanivong, one in the boxing ring for Vilasak Khouandy in the men's 64kg light welterweight, one in men's surface fin swimming 200m for Bounthanom Vongphachanh, and another in the men's pencak silat class I under 90kg for Pheumthavy Vongphackdy.
Spectators returning home after the SEA Games are assured there will be plenty of buses running to the north and south, when the games end on December 18.
Bus operators told Vientiane Times yesterday they had enough buses to provide everyone with a journey home, whether going north or south, and there was no need to worry about getting a seat.
An official in charge of bus provision at the Chitprasong Transportation Company (northern route), Mr Khamdy Phimmasone, said there would be about 100 buses available, including privately owned buses registered with the company.
“I believe this number will be sufficient to transport everyone in the rush to return home after the games,” Mr Khamdy told Vientiane Times.
The company has been able to provide extra buses at peak times in the past, especially at the busiest time of the year during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in the middle of April when many people travel, he said.
At that time there are more than 50 buses in service - double the number that normally run on regular routes.
Mr Khamdy was unable to say how many extra buses would be added to cope with SEA Games passengers, saying it depended on demand.
“We will organise extra buses depending on the number of passengers. We can have buses available if need be and can organise additional buses immediately if they are required,” he said.
The situation is similar going south, with the Chitprasong Transportation Company ready to get travellers home, according to Southern Terminal Transport Association President, Mr Khamsaen Thammavong.
Bus companies are expecting a surge in customers after the games. As well as a boost in Lao passengers they anticipate a rise in foreign visitors travelling onwards to other parts of the country.
Transport providers had their busiest time at the start of the games when supporters from the provinces flocked to Vientiane .
Extra buses were laid on between the provinces and the capital and they were always full, bus operators said.
Normal services are running at present with one bus departing for the southern provinces every 30 minutes from 4:30am to 8:30pm every day and one bus every one to two hours going north from 6:30am to 8pm.
The situation is fairly quiet at the moment.
“Fewer people are travelling these days because so many people are in Vientiane for the games. However, we expect a rush when the games are over,” Mr Khamsaen said.
He said more people were booking bus tickets these days, perhaps because they were afraid there would be a shortage of buses.
“No problem, we have enough buses available,” he said.
The SEA Games 2009 medals are being produced by a Vietnamese company – MarCom. This firm is also the exclusive provider of souvenirs for the games in Laos. MarCom Chairman and General Director Nguyen Hien Luong said that the company surpassed experienced rivals from China and Thailand to win the medal-casting contract thanks to their careful research of Lao culture and history.
Luong said that his company spent eight months learning about Lao people and their lives so that its medal designs clearly reflect Laotian culture. The front side of the 25th SEA Games medals depicts the Thatl Luong pagoda, a famous tourist site in Laos.
Below the pagoda in English are the words “SEA Games 25th Laos”. The medals are decorated by Champa flowers and leaves, symbols of Laos.
The medal’s back side is a big, blossomed champa flower with five petals.
In the center of the flower are Champa and Champi elephants, sacred animals for the 25th SEA Games
As the 25th SEA Games is approaching, all committee are rushing to have a final touch for the preparations. Check out some of these photos for the update at
The SEA Games Transportation Committee on Tuesday announced transport arrangements for the event.
Committee representative Mr Chanxay Vinavong said traffic arrangements need to be implemented to facilitate transportation during the games, particularly on the days of the opening and closing ceremonies.
“Those days in particular will involve a lot of traffic as it is expected at least 20,000 people will attend so we hope to minimise disruptions and make transport more convenient for everyone.”
The committee reported that all delegations, officials and athletes participating in the opening and closing ceremonies on December 9 and 18 should use Lane Xang Avenue Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, the Dongdok road and Road 13 South to get to the National Stadium before parking in a designated parking lot.
Spectators coming from the north should travel through Tanmixay village in Xaythany district, and take the newly constructed road to the Udomphon junction where they should turn right onto Road 10 before turning left at Dontiew water tank onto the new road.
This will take them to the Viengving parking area in front of the National Stadium.
People coming from the south should travel to the stadium via central Vientiane . They should turn left at Km21 and pass through Khoksa-ard, Nakhuay and Huakhua junctions or Khoksa-ard, Ban Xok, Xamkhe, and Vangxai junctions, and Nongnieng and Huakhua villages to enter Vientiane .
They can also turn right at Km19 through Dongbang and Ladkhuay to Udomphon junction, drive along the new road until Tanmixay junction and then carry on until they reach central Vientiane .
Mr Chanxay said that parking areas are available for all vehicles outside the stadium.
Vientiane Traffic Police and Fire Fighting Division Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Salong Seng-Athid, said the traffic arrangements will help to reduce traffic jams during the games.
“I'd like to ask people to follow these arrangements on the days of the ceremonies. Traffic will be the same as usual on days without big matches at the main stadium.”
The committee plans to install directions to assist motorists.
The Accommodation, Food and Tourism Committee (AFTC) has called on hotels in Vientiane to maintain high standards in the lead-up to the SEA Games next month.
Many hotels have begun to install decorations to welcome guests, including the flags of each nation participating in the event.
AFTC Director and Vice Mayor of Vientiane, Mr Somvandy Nathavong, said all hotels must maintain standards in all facets of their services to ensure guests enjoy their stay.
Mr Somvandy urged hotels to provide clean and nutritious food, while also offering good quality service and promoting Lao culture.
Ensuring visitors enjoy their stay during the games will encourage them to return in the future and help to boost tourism, he said.
The AFTC held a meeting yesterday at the National Culture Hall to report on preparations to welcome guests to Vientiane . In attendance were AFTC officials and members of the hospitality industry.
The meeting learnt volunteer and liaison teams are ready to assist in work relating to accommodation, dining and sightseeing.
The AFTC has assigned certain hotels to accommodate delegates and officials from different countries. Don Chan Palace will host guests from Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Thailand , Singapore , and Vietnam .
The Lao Plaza Hotel will accommodate guests from Japan , Mongolia , Brunei , Korea , and China , as well as Vietnam and Thailand .
Various other hotels will host referees and other organising officials, while athletes will stay at the SEA Games Village at the National University of Laos.
Health officials have carried out inspections of hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane recently to ensure they can provide high quality services during the games.
(KPL) The Public Health Service of Yunnan Province, China, presented two ambulances and medical equipment, totally worth one billion yuans, to support the service of Lao medical staffs during the 25th SEA Games, to be held in Vientiane next month.
The handover ceremony for the package was held on Tuesday at the National Sports Committee Office in Vientiane and was witnessed by Standing Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, and Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Pan Quangxue, among others.
The package was handed by Ms. Xu Heping, Deputy Head of Public Health Service of Yunnan province, and received by Dr. Eksavang Vongvichith, Deputy Minister of Public Health of the Lao PDR.
(KPL)Vientiane Jamia Mosque welcomes SEA Games Muslim athletes, sports officials, supporters and tourists who would be here during the SEA Games period next month to do their Friday prayer and the five daily Muslim prayers (fazar, zohor, azan, magrib and isyak) in its premises.
This mosque is located in the tourist belt area and so it is right in the centre of this capital city. The newcomer Muslims could use the city?s iconic ?Namphu? (fountain) as a landmark, walk down Setthathirath Avenue for 40 metres until he reaches a directional sign, follow the arrow and he would come to the mosque, distinguished by its three spires.
Imam or religious teacher of this mosque is Maulana Nazimul Islam, who hailed from Assam province, India, and he leads the Friday prayer.
According to a committee member of the mosque. Mr Mohd Lokman bin Abdul Rahman, there are 900 to 1,000 Muslims in Vientiane. Quite a few of them originate from Pakistan and India. Another group are Lao Muslims and he said there are 200 of them. A small group are Muslims who are attached to the embassies here, such as Malaysia and Brunei.
He told KPL News on November 11 that he is happy to act as a guide to the Muslims who will be here in connection with the SEA Games and show them nice places in Vientiane. His contact number is: 020-5528-576.
The SEA Games Organising Committee has prepared 47 hectares of parking space at the National Stadium, where the main events will take place.
About 10 hectares of land owned by the Ministry of Information and Culture, and an additional 14 and 13 hectare lots are being operated by Vietnamese companies, said the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport's Deputy Director, Mr Chanxay Vinavong.
The car parks should hold around 10,000 vehicles, enough for the number of expected spectators.
On the busiest days, such as the opening and closing ceremonies or the most popular sporting events, vehicles including buses, vans and pick-up trucks wanting to access the city centre from the north of Vientiane should take Sithong Road or Souphanouvong Avenue , Mr Chanxay advised.
He said another approach could be via the Nongbeuk-Dongdok Road , turning right at Tanmixay crossroads. Sports spectators should take the new road through Oudomphon, Lathkuay and Dongbang villages, ending in a turn right at the stadium.
Vehicles coming from Road No. 10 (Ban Keun) into the city centre should pass Thangone village and turn right at Phonsavanh to the Tanmixay crossroads, via Huayteuay, Nonsengchan, Viengkeo and Natom villages.
Spectators wishing to get to the stadium should turn left into Oudomphon, Latkhuay-Dongbang Road then turn right at Km 19 on Road No. 13 south and park in the new car park.
Vehicles coming from other countries should also use this route, Mr Chanxay said.
Vehicles coming from Sangthong district and Xayaboury province should take Road No. 11 into the city centre, and then turn right at the Sikhay junction onto Souphanouvong Avenue .
Another route into central Vientiane would be along Tadmoon Road turning right at Nongtaeng junction, or from Road No. 13, turning left on to Sithong Road through Dongnaxok village.
Mr Chanxay said people wanting to get to the stadium should proceed along Kaoliew Road and turn left at the Sikhay junction, or take the Tadmoon-Nongtaeng road and turn left on Road No. 13 and then take the next right along the Nongbeuk-Dongdok road then turn left at Tanmixay crossroads into new road and take Oudomphon through Latkhuay-Dongbang Road then turn right at Km 19 on Road No. 13 south and park in the new car park.
People arriving from the south or from neighbouring countries should follow Road No. 13 south to the National Stadium.
Vehicles wanting to access the city centre should turn left at Km 21 and take Khoksa-aat Road through Nakhuay village to Huakhua junction, or take the Khoksa-aat-Ban Xok-Samkhe Road to Vangsai junction into Nongnieng village to Huakhua junction.
They could also turn right at Km 19, take the Dongbang-Latkhuay Road via Oudomphon crossroads and then take the new road to Tanmixay crossroads.
Trucks weighing more than 21 tonnes wanting to access the city centre should use the same route. To go north, should use this route then turn right onto Nongbeuk Road or turn right at Oudomphon crossroads.
Spectators taking public transport to the stadium would travel along Kaysone Phomvihane Road to Km 13 south then stop or turn at the stadium.
Mr Chanxay said private vehicles should take the Nongnieng or Huakhua route through Nakhuay or Samke-Ban Xok and Khoksa-aat villages then turn left at Km 21 onto Road No. 13.
Private vehicles could also take the new road at the Tanxixay crossroads through Oudomphon crossroads and Dongbang-Latkhuay Road , then turn right at Km 19.
Vehicles from neighbouring countries should use the same route.
For the Beungkhayong Sports Centre, spectators should park at Beungkhayong Park or Vat Phaxay.
For the Chao Anouvong Stadium, vehicles should park at the National Culture Hall, the National Museum or along the roadside, Mr Chanxay said.
After many months of preparations, the SEA Games Organising Committee has arranged a rehearsal session next week to put everything to the test.
The SEA Games Technical and Preparation of Sport Contingent Committee reported last Friday that all committees and federations will set up sample events on November 16-20.
This is seen as a valuable exercise to highlight any problems before the main event next month.
Technical Committee Chairman Somphou Phongsa told the local press it would be an important event and give participants useful experience.
There will be test events for some sports, after which all the committees and bodies involved will go to the field to see what aspects need to be improved or changed.
“This rehearsal will follow the plan for the games in December which the organisers have prepared, then all committees will follow up the plan,” Mr Somphou said.
Test events will include setting up equipment and systems such as timing and scoring, along with other practical aspects of the games.
They will also involve gathering athletes at the SEA Games Village , referees at hotels, transportation, traffic control, medical services, and security.
“For example, transport officials will pick up athletes and referees from various places and follow the planned route to each stadium. When they arrive, other committees will follow the prepared plan step by step until we get to the end of the games,” Mr Somphou said.
“Then we will practise raising the flag of the winner's country, presenting medals and other items on the agenda.”
The exercise would replicate the actual events that would take place during the SEA Games.
“If we find any mistakes, those responsible will correct the situation before the games,” he said.
The event will be the biggest test for all the committees involved and a useful experience in pointing out mistakes and any weaknesses in preparations. All of the committees and other bodies involved are now training their staff and volunteers who will work at the games.
“In the last few days many of the IT staff working at the games have had a training course from the National Authority for Science and Technology,” Mr Somphou said.
“Today there will be another training course for masters of ceremonies and presenters to make sure they know what they have to do and what their mission is, as well as how to collect information about the games for presentation during the main event in December.”
He said many of the trainees would appear on television so their dress, health and education as well as use of local and foreign languages should be perfect, so they could be understood by viewers and listeners throughout the region.
On the same day, other committees have a training session in flag raising and medal presentation.
The test event will answer questions posed by the games organising committee and members of the public about whether Laos will be a good host of the 25th SEA Games.
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.
In just less than a month, the 25th SEA Games will be kicked off, and every corners in Laos are full of SEA Games spirit. This video clip is a part of Thatluang festival, the biggest festival in Vientiane, and people gathered to enjoy the 25th SEA Games promotion concert. Please check out the video:
The SEA Games Opening and Closing Ceremony Committee reported on Monday that they have released a SEA Games promotional CD.
Committee member Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong said there are 33 songs on the CD, covering topics such as friendship, encouragement for athletes and celebrating the sporting event in general.
He said about 70 artists contributed to the album which is now available in markets and music shops around the nation.
“A two CD pack costs 20,000 kip and includes Lao modern and country music. Many of the songs are already popular with music fans,” Mr Xaysavath said.
The committee said it will promote the songs on Lao National Television, Lao Star Channel and radio programmes.
“These media outlets will promote the songs and make them well known in the lead-up to the games.”
Four of the songs will be performed at the opening and closing ceremonies.
“Exactly which songs will be chosen is a closely guarded secret. Even the artists won't know until they are on stage because we want to surprise the audience,” he said.
Some 30,000 copies of the CD were produced, with many businesses around the country already placing orders.
All proceeds from the sale of the CDs will go towards supporting preparations for the games.
Mr Xaysavath said the committee will gather the artists appearing on the album soon to prepare them for the games.
“Most of them already have performance experience and that's why the songs are of such good quality, because we selected talented singers to participate,” he said.
Mr Xaysavath urged the media to help promote the songs before the games begin. “We will provide copies of the CD to radio and television stations.”
The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee hosted a Chief de Mission (CDM) meeting in Vientiane on Saturday to hear reports on preparations for the games.
Participants at the half-day meeting received reports from the host nation on such issues as games emblems and mascots, ports of entry, hospitality services, sports complexes, and medical care.
CDM delegates from Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , the Philippines , Malaysia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Timor Leste raised questions and issues at the meeting.
Attendees asked the committee for information about services and accommodation for athletes and coaches at the SEA Games Village , as well as for foreign delegations attending the event.
Chairman of the SEA Games Technical Competition Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa, said at a press conference after the meeting that the meeting aimed to report on the progress of preparations for the games, after some participating nations raised concerns about the SEA Games Village .
“There were many questions and issues raised, including inquiries about services, medical care, and ticketing, but the majority of queries were about the accommodation for athletes and delegations,” he said.
Mr Somphou said the committees had outlined the services and accommodation that would be provided and the CDM delegations were satisfied with the results.
“Some attendees requested a CDM centre be set up during the games, so we will establish an accreditation centre at the National University of Laos near the SEA Games Village . Another common concern was ticketing arrangements for fan clubs and dignitaries.”
The CDM delegations were asked to submit lists of athletes and delegations from their respective nations that will attend the games by October 26 so arrangements could be made.
The delegates also visited sports venues and the SEA Games Village to view progress and standards.
Mr Somphou pledged the relevant committees would address all suggestions and requests raised at the meeting and ensure excellent hospitality is provided to athletes and delegations during the games.
Standing Deputy Prime Minster and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman Somsavat Lengsavad has asked the Opening and Closing Committee to prepare a trial run of the two ceremonies for Party and government leaders.
Mr Somsavat said at a committee meeting last Friday that the ceremonies' organising chairman should arrange a two-day performance of the ceremonies for Party and government leaders so they could see what had been prepared for the games in December.
“When I report on the progress made by the organising committee at Party and government meetings, I find people are worried about how the preparations are going because this is the first time we've held a sporting event of this magnitude,” Mr Somsavat explained.
He said he had been asked to show how the committee will pack thousands of people into the National Stadium and how it will coordinate the performances.
“If they can match the performances held in China to celebrate the 60th anniversary of National Day, it will be very good. But I know that China has a lot experience with this kind of event,” Mr Somsavat said.
During the performances, he asked each of the committees involved to test their various roles in the games, as success would depend on how well prepared each section was.
“All sections should make plans to manage their work during the games. For example, traffic officials should keep traffic = the area or on the way to the stadium,” Mr Somsavat said.
Deputy Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of the SEA Games Opening and Closing Committee, Mr Bouangeun Saphouvong, said the ceremonies will involve performances by thousands of people who are currently rehearsing for the shows.
“We began rehearsals in May and will continue until next month. We are currently holding rehearsals at That Luang esplanade and various schools but hope to soon organise practices at the National Stadium where the games will take place.”
During Friday's meeting Mr Somsavat also said all construction work should be fully completed and events held to test the facilities before the SEA Games begin on December 9.
“All committees must watch this practice event together and see how each performs. If there are any weak points, these must be addressed before the games get underway,” he said.
Many people wonder why Thailand and Vietnam are sending U-19 players to the pre-SEA Games football tournament that will kick off in Vientiane on Friday, even though the invitation is for U-23 players.
General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation, Mr Soulivanh Xeunvilay, gave Vientiane Times an answer to this question yesterday, saying it was a strategic move by regionally popular teams to keep their main players under wraps.
“The U-23 category doesn't mean only 22-year-old footballers can be on the team, but that players are not any older than 23. This gives teams the leeway to send players in a wide age range and keep their main players out of sight until the actual SEA Games,” he said.
Vietnam and Thailand recently made the decision not to send their under-23 squads to participate in the pre-SEA Games tournament, instead sending their U-19 teams.
The Football Association of Thailand said its under-23 team could not participate in the tournament because many players were committed to playing in the ongoing Thai Premier League. Vietnam explained their team was busy training for the SEA Games in December, and did not want to disrupt its preparations.
The Lao Football Federation, Lao National Television and the Crossfire Company are jointly hosting the Four Nations pre-games football tournament.
The tournament will see Lao, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese footballers play in Vientiane from October 2-6 with the aim of testing the broadcasting system and facilities at the new National Stadium.
The tournament is playing an important role in the 25th SEA Games by testing the football pitch, broadcasting system and other aspects related to the big event.
Tickets for these matches cost 40,000 kip for general admission and 80,000 kip for VIP seating. The money from ticket sales will be used to fund local football.
The tournament is set to take place at the new National Stadium at km16 in Dongxanghin village, Xaythany district.
On October 2, Thailand will take on Malaysia , and Laos will play Vietnam . October 4 will see Malaysia up against Vietnam , and Laos facing Thailand . The last day of the tournament will pit Laos against Malaysia , and Vietnam with Thailand .
Games will kick off at 4:30pm and 7pm. All matches will be broadcast live on Lao National Television.
Crossfire reported that many people wanted to buy tickets for the event but didn't know where they were sold. Tickets will be available at M-Point Mart and at roadside Tigo stands in Vientiane , as well as during the boat racing festival at Vat Chan village in Chanthabouly district.
Numerous students from the National University of Laos (NUOL) are interested in working as volunteers and liaison officials during the 25th SEA Games in December.
Before the games, liaison officials must learn diplomatic etiquette to prepare them for taking care of guests and dignitaries during the event. The volunteer teams will assist in escorting athletes and be involved in other duties during the games.
One young lady selected to be a liaison official is 19 year old Ms Lamngeun Lattanavilay. She is in her fourth year of English language and environmental studies at NUOL.
Ms Lamngeun works at the NUOL office where she helped many students to register for selection as a volunteer or liaison official.
She previously worked as a volunteer for the Mettatham of Lao Youth Action for AIDS Programme.
Ms Lamngeun is proud to have been selected as a liaison official and has already attended four training courses in preparation for the games.
She said many students registered to help out at the games because it is a historical event for Laos .
Ms Lamngeun was born in Nathom village, Paek district, Xieng Khuang province, but now lives in Saphangmeuk village, Xaythany district, Vientiane .
Ms Soutsada Phorlasim is a 19 year old student and was selected to be a volunteer assistant during the games. She is in her fourth year of an information technology course at NUOL's Faculty of Science. She is also studying English at Thipvaly College .
She lives in Sengsavang village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane .
Ms Soutsada said she is very proud to be a part of the historic first ever hosting of the SEA Games by Laos .
She will take a break from her studies from October to December to prepare and work at the games, before resuming her education in January.
Both young ladies will learn more about Lao culture, history and tourist attractions before undertaking their respective duties at the games.
The Lao National Sports Committee is selecting more than 4,000 volunteers and liaison officials to assist with welcoming guests and athletes, promotion, marketing and other activities during the games.
Currently, some 2,600 volunteers and liaison officials are undertaking training courses at NUOL to prepare for the event.
