25th SEA Games, Laos

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.



By Sisay Vilaysack

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.


By Sisay Vilaysack

Vientianetimes

Laos won its first gold medal in the men's singles poomsae (dancing style) taekwondo event at the Booyong Gymnasium at the National University of Laos yesterday.


Gold medallist Soukthavy Panyasit outside the Booyong Gymnasium.

At only 15 years of age, Soukthavy Panyasit won the medal in his first ever competition for the national taekwondo team in front of over 400 spectators.

Soukthavy, from Somsanouk village in Thakhaek district, Khammuan province, began training in taekwondo three years ago and showed sufficient promise to be selected by the Lao Taekwondo Federation for the SEA Games.

Soukthavy Panyasit and Soukthavone Manirard also won silver medals in the men's team poomsae event.

Soukthavy expressed his pride at winning the first gold medal for Laos and explained that he and his team-mates had gained much strength and confidence during a three month training course in the Republic of Korea in the lead up to the games. The team trained for five hours each day.

In the women's poomsae singles Kidavone Philavong from Xieng Khuang province won a silver medal for Laos .

This is the first SEA Games to feature the poomsae event, which consists of singles and team categories.

Lao taekwondo fighters won one silver and five bronze medals at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.

During training in the Republic of Korea , the Lao taekwondo team competed in the Korean Open at the National University of Seoul, with two fighters winning gold medals in the poomsae event.

At the current SEA Games 135 fighters from 11 countries are competing in the taekwondo competition, which features both poomsae and fighting events.

Results of Wednesday's poomsae events :



Men's singles:

Soukthavy Panyasit ( Laos ): gold.

San Shein Thet ( Myanmar ): silver.

Daniel Danny Harsono ( Indonesia ) and Cheat Khemara ( Cambodia ): bronze.

Women's singles:

Ya Min K-khine ( Myanmar ): gold.

Kidavone Philavong ( Laos ): silver.

Lee Jeng Yen ( Malaysia ) and Lessitra Draningrati ( Indonesia ): bronze.



Men's team:

Vietnam : gold.

Laos : silver.

The Philippines and Thailand : bronze.

Women's team:

The Philippines : gold.

Thailand : silver.

Vietnam and Indonesia : bronze.

Mixed pairs:

Vietnam : gold.

Thailand : silver.

The Philippines and Myanmar : bronze.





By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

Vientianetimes

(KPL) Laos has stressed on disseminating culture to overseas at the opening and closing ceremonies of Vientiane Games, said Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Bouagnuen Saphouvong.

He continued that the opening and closing ceremonies of the 25th SEA Games, hosted by Laos would not use up-to-date technique and equipments like other country in the region.

?We would use the existing fine culture performance pouring down the generation to spread out our culture to visitors,? he added. ?At the moment, the preparation of infrastructure has already completed and served the opening and closing ceremonies of 25th SEA Games, which main target to overcome?.


To fulfill the target of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 25th SEA Games, we have given special attention by initiated the rehearsal practice early this year.

He has stated further that the Lao PDR was still poor and the host of historical event for organising regional sport was a big challenge and to be sure that the use of modern technique was limited, therefore we have made a decision to use the colour of fine culture instead of our limitation.

The dances display and songs focus on reflecting to a long tradition of Lao culture pouring down from the ancestors, especially the dance performance would feature the Lao nationalism has only one in the world.

Other performances would also reflect to different colour culture and abundant Lao culture through the ethnic clothes wearing by displayers, the national development and construction since foundation of Laos that dated back as far as Chao Fagnum king who founded the Laos till today.

(KPL) The Mega Management Company Limited last week officially introduced a scratch lottery under the theme ?Rich Football? and ?Rich Sepak Takraw? in an effort to raise fund for hosting the 25th SEA Games.

The company has produced one million lottery tickets to win prizes totally worth more than two billion kip. The income from the lottery sales will be used as a contribution to the hosting of the 25th SEA Games.

?Winners can claim their prizes immediately when they see prizes on the lottery tickets,? said Marketing Manager of the Mega Management Company Limited, Mr. Bounnhou Sisane.

?Nobody can make a fake lottery to claim any prizes because our lottery ticket is produced in Australia and checked by the government officials,? insisted Mr. Bounnhou.

?The winners have to claim their winning prizes within 60 days after the lottery tickets are sold or else the prizes will belong to the government,? said Mr. Bounyou.

The 25th SEA Games which will be held on 9-18 December has 25 sports.

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

laosoc

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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.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

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.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) The HK Group Company Limited has provided 20 million kip for The National Tennis Federation to support the preparation of Lao tennis players for the 25th SEA Games, to be held in Laos next month.

The handover ceremony was held last Friday at the new National Stadium (km 16) in Vientiane Capital.

The donation was presented by Chairman of the HK Group Company Limited, Mr. Hongkham Souvannavong, and received by President of the Lao National Tennis Federation, Mr. Houmphone Bouliyaphon.

The ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Kasem Inthala, SEA Games Organising and Technique Committee, and officials concerned.

The tennis events during the 25th SEA Games will be from 10 to 18 December and will draw players from nine countries.

Photo: MC15, Mr Ananh Sengsavang

With the words flowing as clearly and adroitly as those of a seasoned professional, it's not hard to realise that 18-year-old Mr Ananh Sengsavang has real talent.

This acumen shone through at the SEA Games Announcers Contest, where he deftly answered questions and demonstrated his linguistic abilities on stage.

This was the moment when the young man could win over those critics who doubted that someone of such a tender age could master the microphone.

His clear Lao and English language speaking skills were foremost among the reasons why he has been selected as one of 10 announcers for December's games.

The young man is a Vientiane native, but is also a veteran of two years of language study in Australia .

Despite his youth he was able to withstand the pressure, managing to pull together a performance to woo the judges and assembled audience.

As he talked during this interview, Ananh partly hid face with his hand, covering his nervousness.

“I think it's incredible I could pass this test, pitted against 45 contestants with experience as TV and radio presenters.

“It's all the more surprising after I sent my picture to the contest organisers and some people said my candidacy was inappropriate due to my age.

“However, that was good for me, as it was the first step towards improving my mental toughness and developing my ability to do well in this contest.”

Talkative by nature, Ananh has enjoyed entertaining others since he was a child, which could be where his ambitions as an announcer have their roots.

More recently he has been seeking to increase his experience and has been hosting a radio programme after school.

This practice has undoubtedly proven its benefit in competition with contestants more senior and seasoned than he.

Ananh tried to explain what helped him to pass the test.

He said he was almost unable to control his poise during the selection interview.

However, there was a secret weapon at hand. He was lucky enough to have learnt to reduce stress by mastering his breathing.

“It was hard to believe but it worked. I knew that when I heard my name announced in the list of 20 finalists,” he recounted with a grin.

In that round he felt more confident. Coming up against 20 senior contestants at the National Culture Hall, he once again dodged the cut and was selected as one of the 10 announcers for the SEA Games.

Ananh said he had both excitement and fear of failure coming into the final round.

Presented with an article and only 10 minutes to prepare, he was competing on stage.

He also had to write scripts himself in a bid to communicate with the audience.

The most challenging task was to remain composed when dealing with an incident on stage.

Being able to handle unexpected occurrences on stage is very important if you want to be a good Master of Ceremonies.

The young man showed his problem-solving ability and gained experience from this challenge.

Ananh explained that although he had spoken on-air and received valuable advice from his seniors, he remained unsure of his success.

According to the young man, that's partly because addressing a large remote audience, as one speaks alone via radio, can seem like a solitary exercise.

Speaking on stage to an audience is what really gets his nervous energy up.

“However, you must learn to adjust, just take in the feel of the event.”

So, what was the most difficult part of the contest? Ananh confidently answered that everything had both simple and hard aspects, and it was up to the individual to overcome both.

Like many a proverb says, when one is patient, success is found.

“For me, the difficulty was like a challenge, and an opportunity to improve myself,” Ananh said.

Ananh is a student at the Faculty of Architecture at the National University of Laos.

While he has yet to formally do any media studies, he still loves speaking, providing information and entertaining other people. He hopes his experiences at the SEA Games will give him the opportunity to become a renowned presenter in the future, be it wooing the crowds in person or via the airwaves from a broadcasting studio.

By Ounkham Pimmata
Vientianetimes

Medical and firefighting teams carried out an emergency response training exercise at the National Stadium on Saturday, as part of safety preparations ahead of the SEA Games in Vientiane next month.

Medical teams from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Security's fire brigade worked together on the exercise to ensure maximum cooperation between response teams in the event of an emergency.

A key aspect of the training was maintaining stadium access for ambulances and fire trucks to ferry the injured from such an emergency.

The Ministry of Health has held 10 training courses for medical teams in the run-up to the games, and Saturday's joint exercise with the fire brigade was the fourth of its kind.

The training activities were observed by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Chairman Somsavat Lengsavad, Minister of Health Dr Ponmek Dalaloy and senior medical officials.

Vice Minister of Health and Chairman of the Medical Committee Prof. Dr Eksavang Vongvichit commented on the success of the test of coordination skills between the emergency teams.

“We are ready with ambulances and medicines to treat patients,” he said, explaining that each ambulance was fitted with a bed, oxygen supply, stethoscopes and emergency medical equipment.

The medical teams comprise 300 paramedics and nurses spread across the venues, who will provide treatment at the scene before patients are transferred to the care of special emergency teams at each hospital in the capital.

During the event medical teams will be stationed at the National Stadium in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district (km16), the SEA Games Village , Beuang Khayong indoor stadium, the stadiums and fields at the NUOL Dongdok campus and other sports venues.

Medical and fire teams are also preparing to assist increased numbers of people injured in road accidents during the games.

Further training was provided at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane yesterday for officials of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the event of emergency air transport of patients.

Medical officials will also be on hand throughout the games to treat injured athletes. One such team is currently working at the National Sports Training Centre in Sikeut village, Naxaithong district, to treat injured Lao athletes training for the event.

Lao sports coaches were given additional training last month at the Lao National Sports Committee office to assist in this capacity during the tournament.


By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes

Liaison officials encountered some problems during a golf practice run on Monday, according to one of those taking part in the exercise.

Liaison officials have been selected from among students at the National University of Laos and are charged with taking care of and assisting athletes and delegations during the 25th SEA Games next month.

The first rehearsal of their duties at the golf test event brought several problems to light, which will have to be resolved before the games get underway.

One of the group's duties is to get up very early to pick up players at the SEA Games Village at the university's Dongdok campus.

Before they set off on their practice run on Monday, they were given papers containing information about the players and how they were to help them.

“It would have been easier if we had been given the papers a day earlier. This would have given us time to find out who the players are and how we should take care of them. But the information was given to us just before we left, so we had no time to find out about everything in advance,” the liaison official said.

He said the rehearsal in general was rather confusing because they didn't know who the players were and where to take them. When they arrived at the village, there was more confusion as some group leaders told them to raise the country name of the players, while others told them not to, but to just go inside and ask for the players in their allocated group.

“Another problem was that we didn't know which bus our players would take. It took us quite a long time to find the bus and get on it before we went to the golf course,” he said.

There were also other difficulties concerning caddies, who were supposed to be prepared for the arrival of the golfers. But when this particular liaison official arrived with three golfers, there was only one caddy and no one else to carry the other golf bags.

A large contingent of volunteers from the university and colleges around Vientiane is helping the SEA Games Organising Committee with their work.

Most have been given training by the various committees involved on how to take care of guests and athletes during the games.

Monday's trial run was a valuable experience in preparing the helpers for the real event next month.

“We will note down all the problems and report them to our supervisors. They need to find solutions as soon as possible. Certainly this has been a useful experience because they've never put the system to the test before,” the liaison official said.

In spite of the problems, everyone left the SEA Games Village and arrived at the golf course on time.

Another liaison official told reporters her group had no problems because the players were already waiting at the collection point, but confirmed other groups had had trouble locating the players they were supposed to be meeting.

The practice run has given supervisors some food for thought and they can now streamline the procedure in the few remaining weeks.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

The Lao National Sports Committee held a test run of the SEA Games welcoming ceremony last Tuesday.

Female students from the National University of Laos practised holding placards bearing the name of each of the 11 participant nations, to welcome the athletes at the start of their stay at the SEA Games Village from December 9 to 19.

Some 300 volunteers and liaison staff from the National University of Laos took part in the exercise.

The test run started at Wattay International Airport and continued at the SEA Games Village .

Sports committees and officials from the university, who will work during the games, also attended the practice event.

SEA Games Organising Committee Vice Chairman Dr Souvannarath Saignavong said the sports committee would be able to improve the welcoming ceremony after analysing the first practice session.

On November 26, the sports committee will hold the final practice session.

It will do a test run of the flag raising ceremony at the SEA Games Village on Thursday.

Practising the welcome ceremony will test public security and transportation.

Dr Souvannarath said it was very important because Lao leaders and athletic teams would be able to see how Laos will welcome other athletes at the village.

He said male and female speakers would be careful to pronounce the name of each country accurately.

During training at the village, Lao dancers practised their performance to welcome the athletes.

Vice Mayor of the village Ms Keomanivong Phimmasen said athletes from six countries would stay at the village.

The six countries were Brunei , Indonesia , Singapore , Thailand , Malaysia and Laos , she said.

There are 77 coaches and athletes from Brunei , 389 from Indonesia , 376 from Singapore , 829 from Thailand , 667 from Malaysia and 612 from Laos .

Mrs Keomanivong said the number of athletes from the five other countries would be confirmed by the sports committee this week.

The Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC) will raise the flags of the 11 participating countries at a ceremony to honour the 50th anniversary of the SEA Games Federation Committee at the SEA Games Village on December 8.

More than 4,000 athletes staying at the SEA Games Village are set to arrive in Vientiane in time for the ceremony. The village consists of eight 4-storey dormitories.

The flag raising ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the SEA Games Federation will be an important event.

This ceremony indicates that the athletes of the 11 countries have arrived at the village and will start preparing for the games.

As the host country Laos will stage performances and other activities on the opening night.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes

With less than 40 days until the SEA Games kick off in Vientiane , government agencies are boosting efforts to make sure everything is ready for nation's largest ever sporting event.

Public relations are an important aspect of their work in ensuring the games run smoothly. To prepare the media, a course titled “Training for Journalists on Crisis Communication during the SEA Games” was held from October 29-31 in Keo-oudom district, Vientiane province.

The course was jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture, World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Coordination Office (NEIDCO).

Ministry of Information and Culture Office Deputy Head and NEIDCO committee member Vayolinh Phrasavath said at the course “The SEA Games will gather large numbers of people both from around Laos and from other countries. This increases the risk that an infectious disease such as influenza A(H1N1) might emerge.”

“The government is working hard with related organisations to prepare for such an occurrence and prevent disease outbreaks.

“This training course gathers together 41 journalists and TV and radio announcers from every media agency to discuss plans for crisis communication. We will explain various points of detail about how to report an energency and talk about public relations. It is important that everyone knows in advance about the good cooperation and preparations of public health agencies and the media. This involves how they will try to prevent a disease outbreak during the SEA Games and what they will do if people fall ill.

“I believe this short course will help participants to get a better feel for what is needed in the way of anticipating events and forward-looking reporting. You will learn a lot about communicable disease surveillance in Laos , and with good reporting you can make sure visitors to the SEA Games aren't concerned about falling ill,” Mr Vayolinh said.

Currently the Lao government is on the alert for seven communicable diseases - the H1N1 virus, bird flu, diarrhoea, dengue fever, smallpox, hepatitis and food poisoning.

The government is in constant communication with the communicable disease surveillance committee, so that any suspicious illnesses can be investigated, reported on and the necessary information passed on to reporters.

WHO Communications Officer Ms Catherine Cochran said “During a time of crisis people depend on the media to provide them with information about what's going on so they can protect themselves.”

“We have a major event coming up with the SEA Games. There will be thousands of visitors as well as international media coming to cover this event. We have all have been working hard to make sure the games run smoothly, but we must be prepared for something to go wrong. This could take the form of a disease outbreak or other emergency.”

“The media must be prepared to tell the public what's really happening and how to deal with the situation. In this workshop they will learn how to work together to help everyone be safe with the help of our communication skills. I'm looking forward to involving the media in the SEA Games communication network,” Ms Cochran said.

By Phoonsab Thevongsa
Vintianetimes

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.”



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Athletes staying at the SEA Games Village will be provided with a wide variety of high quality nutritious food during the event, according to the Lao World Company.


Mr Somsavat Lengsavad ( right ) loads his plate at the food tasting.
The company, which will provide catering at the village, held a food tasting event last Sunday to invite Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, and members of all SEA Games committees to sample the food that will be on offer at the village during the games.

General Manager of the Lao World Company, Mr Souliyong Youivanivong, told those at the event that ingredients would be sourced from Vientiane and from Champassak, Saravan, Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces.

“We will have almost 200 staff, including kitchen, waiting, cleaning and management staff, working in the canteen,” he said.

Mr Souliyong said the food provided to athletes will be healthy and nutritious and prepared under recommendations from experts from various government departments.

“The Forestry Department will guarantee that farmers providing vegetables to us are using organic methods and the Department of Industry and Commerce will inspect standards at slaughterhouses and ensure meat is transported hygienically.”

“All sectors involved will do their utmost to ensure everything is of the highest quality and standard.”

The canteen will provide nine to eleven different dishes each day during the games, including regional and European foods. Dining times will be from 6-10am, 11am-3pm, 5-8pm and 9-10pm.

Mr Somsavat instructed those responsible to correct spelling mistakes on the menu and to pay close attention to ensuring good quality, healthy food for the athletes.

Some committee members asked for more Lao and regional dishes be added to the menu to add a more local flavour for athletes.

The village will accommodate more than 4,000 athletes from the region who will participate in the games in December.

U-23 Malaysia arrived Vientiane

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.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the 25th SEA Games Organising Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, gathered diplomats yesterday to brief them on the status of the games in Vientiane .


During the briefing, Mr Somsavat pointed out that this year is the 50th founding anniversary of the Southeast Asian Games, or SEA Games, and although Laos is one of the founding nations, the country has never hosted the sports event. For this reason, the Lao people are very proud to be entrusted by member countries with the privilege of hosting the 2009 Games.

“I would like to inform you that based on the unanimous decision of the SEA Games Council, the upcoming event will be held from December 9-18 December in Vientiane ,” he said, adding that athletes will compete in 25 sports across 383 events.

He said that to fulfil its responsibility, the Lao government had exerted every effort to build the necessary infrastructure and mobilise local participation, while also gratefully noting that countries and companies from the region, especially Asean member countries and those in northeast Asia, had rendered strong support and assistance to Laos in various forms relating to the event.

During the meeting the chairman also reported on the progress of the new National Stadium at Km 1 6 in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district, which is now 100 percent complete. The sports complex consists of a main stadium that can seat 20,000 spectators, as well as two indoor stadiums, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and shooting and archery ranges.

“Right now, the committee is undertaking an on-site technical inspection of the sport venues, buildings, electricity and water supplies, after which a handover ceremony of the premises will take place on September 22. We are planning to use the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies of the games and the final of the men's football tournament,” Mr Somsavat said.

He also reported on the processes of the stadium relating to how the games will function, using the indoor and outdoor courts at Chao Anouvong stadium in Anou village, Chanthabouly district, Lao-ITECC, Beungkhayong stadium, Don Chan Palace hotel and facilities at the National University of Laos.

The briefing also detailed food and accommodation arrangements, competition rules and referees, athletes, city decoration, health, IT systems, transportation and traffic routes during the games, particularly those at border crossings.

“The 25th SEA Games Organising Committee has laid out appropriate measures to facilitate and ensure safety for participants at international border checkpoints including Wattay International Airport , the Friendship Bridge and other borders throughout the country,” Mr Somsavat said.

During the meeting Thai Ambassador to Laos Wiboon Khusakul asked the chairman if the government could lengthen opening times at the Friendship Bridges in Vientiane and Savannakhet province. Other diplomats also raised questions related to the games which were responded to by the organising committee.



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

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.



By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes