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 25th SEA Games here in Laos will go down in history as the Games with many firsts. While Laos hosted the Games for the first time, this landlocked Indo-China nation has certainly left a big mark in the world of sports in this part of the world. A poor nation in terms of economy, Laos left no stones unturned in their bid to leave a lasting impression among the 11 participating countries that it has arrived to take on the best in the region - both in terms of sporting excellence and development. From the friendly people with an ever ready smile and greeting you with a warm sabaidee (Hello), the Laotians extended their hospitality to one and all who came to the country for the Games - as participants or as visitors.
More importantly, Laos shed its 'whipping boys' or 'minnows' tag and put up an impressive performance in the sporting arena with an impressive haul of medals won by their athletes. From winning just five gold medals at the last SEA Games in Korat, Thailand in 2007, Laos made every one sit up and take note of their athletes as they raked in 33 gold, 25 silver and 52 bronze medals - surpassing their earlier target of 25 gold medals.
As expected, Thailand topped the medal tally with a haul of 86-83-97 but the entire kingdom was left weeping by losing the football gold - dubbed the 'mother of all gold medals' in both the men's and women's football. Thailand had been winning the SEA Games crown in men's football for the last eight editions since 1993 while for the women, they were the defending champions.
Thai football has certainly taken a beating in Laos where it is the first time since 1973 that Thailand failed to make the final four in football.
At the same time, Laos are fast gaining on the football powerhouses in the region by reaching the semi-finals before falling 3-1 to eventual champions Malaysia. On the other hand, Malaysian regained their status as the SEA Games football champions with a 1-0 win over Vietnam in the final. Malaysia also knocked out Thailand from a place in semi-finals.
And Thailand's supremacy as the top sports nation in the South East Asian region have also come under serious threat. Vietnam finished a close second in medal tally with figures of 83-75-57.
Indonesia established themselves as the sprint kings with Suryo Agung Wibowo retaining his 100m with a new record of 10.17 (which is faster than winner 's time of 10.21 at the 2006 Doha Asia Games) and the 200m. Indonesia, who will host the 26th edition of the Games in 2011, also hailed little "wonder girl" Triyaningsih, who stands at 146cm and weighs slightly over 37kg, as the long distance queen. She retained the 5,000m and 10,000m golds with the latter in a record time of 32:49.47 (old record 33:50.06).
The 21-year-old from Salak Tiga in Central Java, is ranked eighth in the world in women's marathon. The men's 10,000m also went Indonesia's way with Agus Prayogo taking the gold. He also took the 5,000m gold for repeat his success he achieved in Korat. Malaysia's ended a 12-year wait in the men's 400m with Mohd Zafril Zulaisni taking the gold - after Romzi Bakar last won the gold in Jakarta in 1997. Vietnam broke the monopoly of traditional powerhouses Malaysia and Indonesia in pencak silat by taking six golds compared to the three gold haul in Korat.
Laos shooters and taekwando exponents were also on golden trail - sending out strong signals that their rivals will have to take note of their 'arrival' in the two sports. A big 'thank you' to the people of Laos. You made us all feel at home while showing true sportsmanship in the battle for the medals in what is a incident-free SEA Games when it comes to the subjective sports. Laos may have finished in mid-table in the medal standings but you were the big winners overall.
We are bound to hear of Laos in the coming future. A point to note is that every nation returned home with a medal to show for their participation where Timor Leste at least won three bronze medals - a significant showing of the Games anthem of Generosity, Amity, Healthy Lifestyle.
Yesterday was a day of victory for Lao athletes at the ongoing SEA Games on home soil when they reached their target of 25 gold medals, as some optimists had predicted ahead of the games.
The eighth day of competition will go down in the record books as being the day when the magic number of 25 gold medals for Laos was reached in 25 sports at the 25th SEA Games.
The first gold medal yesterday came at 5:31pm, after a long day of waiting, thanks to Phonenaly Sayarath who won the women's under 52kg division in judo.
Other gold medals that pushed Laos towards success came from the swimming pool at 6pm, when Chrichina Sindara won the women's 50m surface fin swimming event and Amdavanh Phanmibounkong won the women's 400m surface fin swimming event.
Despite having reached their gold medal target, Lao athletes will continue to pursue their quest for even more gold in the last two days of competition.
The petanque team, who were favourites to win a gold medal yesterday, managed only bronze.
Of the 11 gold medals up for grabs in petanque Laos is hoping to claim at least four. So far, they have picked up one gold, one silver and five bronze medals in the sport.
The gold medal was won in the women's doubles on Monday by Manivanh Souliya and Noitavane Pasert.
The final two gold medals in petanque will be there for the taking on Friday in the men's and women's triples events.
Yesterday afternoon Laos claimed a silver medal when 20-year-old Milvady Hongfa took second place in the women's light flyweight 48kg boxing event.
On the shuttlecock court where Laos hoped to win one gold medal from the two events being contested, the team scooped two silver medals, with both golds going to the more experienced Vietnamese team.
In the round robin competition in women's football, Laos came in fourth, while Myanmar took the bronze medal. The gold medal was won by Vietnam after they beat defending champion Thailand 3-0 in a penalty shootout at Chao Anouvong Stadium yesterday.
The last men's football matches will take place today. The bronze medal match between Laos and Singapore kicks off at 3pm at Chao Anouvong Stadium, while the gold medal match between Vietnam and Malaysia will begin at 5pm at the National Stadium.
IT was a historic moment for Laos when the 25th South East Asian (SEA) Games was officially opened in a colourful ceremony steeped in cultural and historical significance at the new National Stadium in Vientiane last night.
Despite being a founder member when the Games debuted in 1959, Laos, known as “the ancient kingdom of a million elephants”, are hosting the biennial event for the first time.
The Games are also held in celebration of the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos in 2010.
Tagged as the ‘Generosity, Amity, and Healthy Lifestyle’ Games, the hosts are keen to stress home the point that solidarity and friendship are more important than winning among the South East Asian neighbours.
About 7,000 students were involved in the cultural performances in the opening ceremony, which included dances titled “Welcome SEA Games, Sound of Jungle, Golden Rice Field, Fairness Candlelight, Sin-Xay the hero of an era, Bright Future and Binding Heart to Step Forward”.
The performances celebrated the abundance of cultural and ethnical diversity in the former French colony.
Among the dignitaries who graced the ceremony was Laos President Choummaly Sayasone and he was joined by the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Countdown the opening
Part I
Part II
Part III
Torching
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
All video clips from langvannavong Source: Thestar, Malaysia
The nation's most anticipated event finally unfolded last night when the biennial regional sports competition, the SEA Games, officially opened in the Land of a Million Elephants.
Some 8,000 performers put on an unprecedented display of pageantry for the 20,000 spectators attending the grand opening ceremony of the 25th SEA Games at the National Stadium in Vientiane on Wednesday evening. This is a truly great opportunity for Laos to show the world, especially the Asean region, that we can host an event in a style that befits the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Asian Games Federation.
Over 20,000 people flocked to the National Stadium last night to share in a joyful occasion that united everyone lucky enough to be present.
Spectators joined with government members and foreign guests in welcoming the athletes from 11 nations to the SEA Games in Vientiane .
The crowd watched in awe as one wave of performers after another swarmed into the vast arena, heralded by a stunning light show. A total of 8,000 performers put on an extravaganza of dazzling grandeur.
At the same time, millions of people throughout the country and the region watched the glittering spectacle live on television.
Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, reported that this year's 25th SEA Games comprised 25 sports with the participation of 3,038 athletes from 11 countries.
Of special note is the fact that at this SEA Games Laos has the privilege of welcoming the prime ministers of four neighbouring countries as well as the Asean Secretary General. This is unprecedented in SEA Games history.
President of the Lao PDR Choummaly Sayasone concluded the speech-making by declaring the 25th SEA Games open.
Before the show began, spectators gave a standing ovation as the athletes from each participating nation paraded around the stadium, beginning with Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam has brought 74 athletes and officials to take part in seven sports. At the last SEA Games in 2007, Brunei won one gold, one silver and four bronze medals.
Cambodia has sent a 214-member team, who will compete in 19 sports. In the 2007 games, Cambodia won two gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals.
The Indonesian team consists of 650 people, competing in 21 sports. Indonesia ended the last SEA Games with 56 gold, 64 silver and 83 bronze medals.
Malaysia 's team of 564 is competing in 21 sports. In the 2007 edition they won 68 gold, 52 silver and 96 bronze medals.
Myanmar has sent a team of 389, who will take part in 18 sports. In 2007, they went home with 14 gold, 26 silver and 47 bronze medals.
The Philippines has a team of 413 athletes and officials, who will compete in 23 sports. In the 2007 games, they won 41 gold, 91 silver and 96 bronze medals.
Singapore 's group of 413 members will compete in 19 sports. In 2007, they won 43 gold, 43 silver and 41 bronze medals.
Previous SEA Games host Thailand has sent an 816-member team who will compete in all 25 sports. In 2007, they topped the medal tally with 183 gold, 123 silver and 103 bronze medals.
Timor Leste's team of 61 will take part in nine sports. Competing in the SEA Games for the first time in 2003, they have yet to win a gold medal .
Vietnam has a 681-member team who will compete in all sports. In 2007, Vietnamese athletes took home 64 gold, 58 silver and 82 bronze medals.
This year's SEA Games host Laos proudly entered the stadium with the largest team, comprising 853 members. The home team will compete in all 25 sports at this year's competition. In 2007, Laos won five gold, seven silver and 32 bronze medals.
Among the seemingly endless array of surprises that awaited spectators was the sight of boxing superstar Vongkot Chinda running into the stadium and holding aloft a flaming torch.
A cheer went up as he paraded before the crowd before passing the torch to the sporting heroes of other countries who were gold medal winners at previous SEA Games.
Vongkot won the first silver medal for Laos at the 1989 SEA Games in Malaysia , and followed this up with a second at the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore . Another of his successes was a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Beijing , China , in 1990.
The SEA Games opening ceremony was devoted to promoting the various cultures of all participant nations, as well as friendship and peace.
Other themes included environmental and biodiversity protection and the need to sustain these priceless resources for the next generation.
The highlights of Lao history also took centre stage, with colourful displays reflecting the Lao people's long tradition of protecting and developing their beloved nation, always seeking peace and friendship.
As the stadium filled with the massed performers for the grand finale, a thunderous firework display exploded into the night sky.
The evening's truly incredible pageant set the scene for an even more wonderful sporting event in the days to come.
From Zulhilmi Supaat VIENTIANE, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The next host of the SEA Games in 2011, Indonesia, have proposed to stage 37 sports, including two extreme sports.
Malaysia's representative in the SEA Games Federation (SGF) executive meeting Datuk Sieh Kok Chi told Bernama that Indonesia would drop petanque, fin swimming, muay thai and shuttlecock juggling from the programme.
"The two new sports included are wall climbing and roller-skating," said Kok Chi here Monday.
Among sports proposed by Indonesia are badminton, weightlifting, aquatics, football, archery, shooting, silat, taekwondo, athletics, squash, hockey, billiard & snooker, boxing, volleyball, basketball, golf, judo, sepak takraw, table tennis, wushu, cycling.
Among sports not contested in Vientiane but included in Indonesia are tenpin bowling, equestrian, gymnastics, fencing, chess, traditional boats, kayaking, rowing, sailing, soft ball and baseball.
Indonesia have also for the first time in the history of the SEA Games, proposed to include Kempo, a type of combat sport similar to fencing but using bamboo make weapons, a sport popular in Japan.
The 2011 host have also added powerlifting to the programme of normal athletes although the sport is normally featured in Paralympic sports.
Kok Chi added that Singapore had withdrawn from hosting the 2013 SEA Games and Vietnam had offered to host the Games.
According to SGF's allocation of the host job to countries, Singapore were given the opportunity to host the 2013 SEA Games and followed by Cambodia (2015), Myanmar, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam respectively.
Thailand is sending an 842-strong contingent, comprising 550 athletes and 292 officials, making it the biggest team in the 25th SEA Games in Laos
Second is host Laos with 743 contingent members (482 athletes and 261 officials), followed by Vietnam (671), Malaysia(348 athletes and 121 officials), Indonesia（465), Philippines (413), Myanmar (400), Singapore (392), Cambodia (204), Brunei (79) and Timor Leste (77).
The smallest contingents are Brunei and Timor Leste with 30 and 37 athletes respectively.
Brunei will contest in six sports and Timor Leste, seven.
A total of 4,869 athletes who will vie for 370 gold, 370 silver and 539 bronze medals, with athletics being the most popular spors with the participation of 288 athletes, followed by football (280), shooting (169), sepaktakraw (167), swimming (140), karate (130), cycling (116), archery (114), badminton (114), judo (101).
Shuttlecock jiggling, which is popular among the the Indo-china nations, received the lowest participation among the 25 sports offered here.
Shuttlecock jiggling recorded 22 participatants from Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
If the fans which turned up on the first day of the men’s football event at the SEA Games yesterday is of any indication at all, then the Laos organisers should be more than happy with the sale of tickets. For the men’s football event, tickets are being sold at a price of 50,000kips (USD6) and 70,000kips (USD8.30) for the preliminary round matches.
And yesterday, tickets were sold out as droves of Vietnam fans garb in all red came to witness their second national side held eight-times SEA Games champions Thailand to a 1-1 draw. The newly-built Main Stadium has a capacity of 20,000 and apart from making sure that the Vietnam are well supported, the noise generated throughout the evening including when Malaysia took on Timer Leste gave a festive atmosphere worthy of a cup final.
Both the Vietnam and Thailand fans were mingling with each other as they took to the spirit of ASEAN brotherhood to the letter.
During the break, with the music of the Laos SEA Games and also traditional Laos songs being played, scores of people were singing and dancing at the stands. And while Thailand had a smaller crowd of supporters pushing the team forward, the likes of Malaysia and Timor Leste had been given appointed cheerleaders to make them have a semblance of them playing at home.
With the level of football being played on the very first day of competition, the crowd who came to watch the matches were not at all disappointed. Tomorrow will be another loud and cheerful day at the second venue of the Chao Anu Vong Stadium with Vietnam taking on Timor Leste - right after the game between Thailand and Cambodia.
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
Hotel rooms are still available for SEA Games fans and visitors who want to cheer for their sports stars, even though many hotels are close to being fully booked.
Many hotel owners in Vientiane told Vientiane Times yesterday their rooms were almost all reserved, while some said they were already full.
Vientiane is the main venue for the games' official delegates and sports fans coming to Laos for the SEA Games, which are scheduled from December 9-18.
Hotel, Guesthouse and Restaurant Association member Bouloud Viengviseth said rooms in about 70 percent of hotels that are members of the association have been booked by official delegates.
Being tasked to host official delegates means these hotels are almost fully booked, he said, adding that the association has more than 40 member hotels and another 40 member guesthouses.
The capital has 118 hotels with 4,207 rooms, including 898 rooms that have been reserved for official delegates from foreign countries, according to the Vientiane Tourism Department.
However, hotel rooms to be reserved for Lao delegates have yet to be confirmed, said a department official.
Vientiane also has 184 guesthouses with 2,750 rooms, which can accommodate up to 4,000 people. However, many of these rooms have already been reserved.
Both hotels and guesthouses can accommodate about 10,000 guests, including those rooms already reserved for some 1,255 official delegates.
The tourism official was unable to say what percentage of this accommodation had already been booked as individuals have booked through many channels, so the information could not be collated.
“We don't know the exact number of visitors who have booked so far. Some booked through travel agencies,” the official said.
Many people also booked by themselves on the Internet or by telephone.
The Lao National Tourism Administration estimates that about 60,000 tourists will come to Vientiane throughout December, including those passing through on their way to the provinces.
Though the number of visitors to the capital during the games might exceed the available accommodation, the administration's Vice President, Mr Sila Mounthalavong, believed Vientiane will be able to cope.
H e said many visitors might stay only for a few days, while some will just pass through and travel to other provinces.
Lao Association for Tr avel Agents President, Mr Bouakhao Phomsouvanh, said several thousand tourists from Asean nations are in or on their way to Vientiane for the regional sporting event.
Officials said many SEA Games visitors would stay with relatives during their time in Laos .
Tickets for football matches on the first day of competition in the 25th SEA Games have already sold out, according to distributors yesterday.
The 20,000 seats at the National Stadium will be packed with fans cheering for some of the region's most popular footballers on the first day of the games in Vientiane .
SEA Games ticket distributor, Mr Phankham Vongkhanty, also President of the Vongkhanty Construction Company, said many representatives from his company had reported selling all of their tickets, particularly to Vietnamese and Thai spectators.
“We have no tickets left for the match between Thailand and Vietnam or the Malaysia vs Timor Leste game, both of which take place on the first day of the games,” he said.
The first match will begin at 3pm when Malaysia takes on Timor Leste. The second game is the big match of the day and pits Thailand against Vietnam .
Mr Phankham said various Vietnamese tour companies had bought tickets for their customers, while Thai fans also took many of the tickets for the anticipated clash.
“Vietnamese fans will greatly outnumber Thai fans because our staff said the Vietnamese had ordered thousands of tickets from our company. So I think there'll be a lot more red shirts with yellow stars packing the stands.”
He said ticket prices ranged from 50,000 kip to 70,000 kip, which gave spectators the chance to watch both matches.
At the 24th SEA Games in 2007, Thailand and Vietnam played in different groups. In critical matches, Vietnam lost to Singapore 5-0 and Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-0 to win the gold medal. Timor Leste did not enter a football team, and Malaysia placed third in group B featuring Laos , Singapore and Vietnam .
Interviews with coaches at the weekend indicated Vietnam rated their hopes of victory at 50-50 while the Thai team had a firm belief they would contest the final.
Mr Phankham said tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies were already sold out, but he had 100 to 200 tickets that had been booked but not yet collected. If nobody claims the tickets they will be sold outside the stadium on the day of the opening ceremony on December 9.
“I want to remind ticket buyers that opening ceremony tickets can be used for the closing ceremony as well. One ticket will allow entry to both events. Our staff will tear off the top part of the ticket and the remainder can be used to gain entry to the closing ceremony.”
He warned that some ticket touts might tear off the top part of the ticket to sell for entry to the opening ceremony, deceiving people who did not realise the whole ticket was valid for both events. The touts would then sell the other half of the ticket separately for the closing ceremony.
“Our staff and other security personnel won't allow you to enter the stadium for either of these ceremonies if they see your ticket is not the right size,” he said.
(Kpl) A five star hotel Don Chan Palace will be a venue for the competition of snooker and billiard during the 25th SEA Games (9-18 December), according to a contact signed at the hotel last weekend. Deputy President of the National Snooker and Billiard Federation has confirmed the readiness of the Lao players.
Signatories to the agreement on renting space and equipment of the hotel for hosting the snooker and billiard competition were Deputy President of the National Sports Committee, Mr. Somphou Phongsa, or Snooker and Billiard and Don Chan Palace?s Assistant Executive Manager, Ms. Angeline Khor. The ceremony was witnessed by concerned officials and press people.
?Snooker and billiard are among the 25 sports to be competed during the 25th SEA Games,? said Mr. Somphou. ?The government has agreed to choose the hotel because it is a standard hotel in Vientiane,? added Mr. Somphou.
Deputy President of the National Snooker and Billiard Federation, Mr. Pasithsay Luangkhoth, said that the federation so far had completed selecting 16 national athletes and they now were training.
More than 100 athletes from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei will compete in many categories such as single?s snooker, billiard single, double, pool 9 single, double, pool 8 single, pool 9 women?s single, pool 8 women?s single and carom events. The competition will start on 10-17 December.
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.
More than 1,300 cheerleaders from upper secondary schools throughout Vientiane will get together at Phailom School tomorrow for a final practice of their routine before taking to the SEA Games field next month. SEA Games Cheering Committee Chairman Mr Bounsouk Thilasack said yesterday that November 21 would be the final day of practice before the games, so it would be a big test for the students. “We have arranged for some of the cheerleaders to support athletes from other countries who have less people to cheer for them, so the students acting as cheerleaders will be well-mannered and friendly,” he said.
The SEA Games Organising Committee worked with the Ministry of Education from June this year to discuss the role of students as cheerleaders. The games committee allowed the Ministry’s Head of Office Mr Bounsack to close six upper secondary schools in Vientiane, including Phailom, Sathid, Phonsvanh, Vientiane, Phiavat and Xaysettha schools during the games. “After getting that permission, we discussed with the interested sectors and schools an appropriate time for the students to rehearse for the games. Funding for this has been provided by the government,” Mr Bounsouk said.
He said that during the rehearsals, the students had been trained in orderly cheering, the right and wrong things to do, fairness, manners and good conduct. “We had two training sessions - before the practice on the field and after the practice. We will have the real practice this Saturday, then on November 28, and then another training session on the right and wrong things to do before the games start on December 2,” he said. The cheerleaders will be present at the games from December 2-18, when the committee will allow them access to each sports venue including the National Stadium, Dongdok campus, Lao-ITECC, Buengkhayong, Don Chan Palace and others. “Each sports venue will have a leader to supervise each student group, and the committee will also monitor their work at each venue during the competition,” Mr Bounsouk said.
He said all the cheerleaders would have equipment such as horns, the Lao and SEA Games flags, shirts and hats. “They will use these to spur on the athletes during the competition,” he said. At a SEA Games Organising Committee meeting, the Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, said the students would be an important part of the games because they would create a more exciting atmosphere than if there was no one to cheer for the teams.
More than 8,000 performers from Laos gathered at the National Stadium in Vientiane for the rehearsal of the opening / closing ceremony of the 25th SEA Games 2009 in Laos. Check out the clip below:
Mountain bike trails being prepared for the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane next month should be finished by November 25, according to the constructors.
When local press visited the trails in Houaynhang village, Naxaithong district, the head of the venue reported that both downhill and uneven trails were almost complete and would be finished next week.
The constructor, Mr Chanseng Panichith, said the downhill trail was 1.6km long and the uneven trail was 7km. Both trails will be used by cyclists from participating countries during the games.
“Construction began last month so we've had just two months to get everything done. We are clearing land to build a mountain bike track, which we have been able to do using the local natural features,” he said.
He was confident the trails would compare favourably with similar facilities in the region and that Laos would be successful in hosting international mountain bike events after the SEA Games.
The Union Cycliste Internationale has checked construction of the trails to guarantee the standard meets that required for the SEA Games.
“I believe cyclists and spectators will enjoy the competition here because the trails are set among big trees, rocky surfaces and other natural features,” Mr Chanseng said.
Cycling Federation Secretary Lassamy Soundara said 16 cyclists are ready to represent Laos at the SEA Games.
The federation selected its 16 national representatives following the Eighth National Games in Champassak province last year.
They have since been based at the cycling centre in Vatnak village, Sisattanak district.
“Since beginning training there, they have taken part in competitions in Thailand , including the Road and MTB Thailand Championship 2009 in Chainat province, and the 28th National Games in Trang province,” Mr Lassamy said.
Lao cyclists achieved second, third, fourth and fifth places in various events in those races.
“Currently our cyclists are training hard and we can see they are improving as they prepare for the SEA Games.”
The Lao Women's Football Federation will organise a final test event for its players on November 18-19 before the SEA Games get underway in December.
After conceding several goals at the International Women's Football Tournament held in Quang Ninh , Vietnam , last month, the team will play against a club from Chonbury province, Thailand , as a final test before the games.
Assistant coach Mr Viengsavanh Sengchanh accepted yesterday that his team was not as strong compared with the Thai and Vietnamese teams because they didn't practise before the tournament.
“We had left early hoping to practise in Vietnam for 10 days, but unfortunately there was a big storm in Vietnam then so for those 10 days we just ate and slept. We returned home for five days but the tournament organisers invited us to participate in the event so we decided to go ahead even though the players weren't fit,” he said.
After coming back from the tournament, the team starting practising hard by using the experience of the loss, and now they are getting better and are ready to take on the Thai team this month.
The squad has been training since April this year, and the federation invited countries in the region to a tournament in Champassak province. The Lao women were runners-up in the event.
“We have 25 players who are strong and ready to play in the SEA Games; I think they will be able to hold their heads high next month,” Mr Viengsavanh said.
The test event on November 18-19 will be another trial run for the Chao Anouvong and Dongdok stadiums to see if they are ready for the SEA Games.
“Fans can go to cheer the team for free during the competition on both days,” he said.
Mr Viengsavanh also explained that after the match the federation will continue with training and will select the final 20 players for the SEA Games.
“We promise we'll get one of the three medals for Laos ,” he said.
The women's football matches will be played in a group comprising Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Vietnam and Laos .
“ Vietnam has the strongest team but we are trying our best,” Mr Viengsavanh 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.
Lao and Vietnamese men's volleyball teams defeated their respective Thai and Vientiane opponents on the first day of the three-nation Volleyball Friendship Tournament.
The tournament is taking place in Vientiane from November 4-6.
Laos narrowly beat Thailand in three of five sets with a score of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-22 in the first game played yesterday morning.
Vietnam beat the Vientiane players with a score of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-16.
Lao Volleyball Federation President Phengsangouane Chounlamany said at the opening ceremony that the tournament aimed to test the preparation and readiness of the competition venue and staff.
This would ensure the organisation of volleyball matches played at the SEA Games next month would meet international standards.
“The tournament is also a chance for our players to practise so they are better prepared to compete in the SEA Games,” Mr Phengsangouane said.
Federation staff had organised the competition very well considering it was their first experience of such matches, he said.
There had been a few small problems but the federation would work to remedy these in the coming days.
The federation reported they had trained their staff prior to the SEA Games and the tournament would be a valuable experience for them ahead of the main event.
The federation believes the men's volleyball team will be 100 percent fit. The players have promised to learn as much as possible from the tournament in a bid to improve themselves for the SEA Games.
Laos has taken part in previous SEA Games held in Vietnam and Thailand , but without much success.
This time, with Laos hosting the games, local players are practising hard to go further in the competition.
Federation Secretary Sichanh Chittapanya said “We have to accept that the opposition is professional, not amateur, so their skills and tactics might be much better. But this time is different so, who knows, we might get a medal in the SEA Games this year.”
“After this tournament we will know more about what to expect at the games and the extent of our ability to go through to the business end of the competition.”
Today's schedule sees Vietnam up against Thailand and Laos take on the Vientiane team.
