25th SEA Games, Laos

The National University of Laos is planning to build dormitories to accommodate the 4,000 athletes from 11 countries who will take part in the SEA Games, which Laos will host next year.

“We are waiting for a budget allocation from the government for construction of the dormitories before we start work,” the university's Vice President for Student Affairs, Professor Lammai Phiphakkhavong, said yesterday.

The Lao government will cooperate on the project with a construction company from Vietnam , according to an agreement by the two countries.

“We will be ready to provide accommodation for the athletic teams when the dormitories are built,” Professor Lammai said.

A 5.3 hectare site is available at the university for the dormitories and a car park.

Students will be able to live in the dormitories once the SEA Games have ended.

The Lao National Sports Committee and government organisations will also provide athletes with accommodation in hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane .

Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces are also taking steps to secure accommodation for athletics teams and visitors. These provinces will host the games' football matches.

The sports committee will open a Sports Training Centre in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane , in December, where Lao athletes will live and train in preparation for the games.

Construction of the training centre began in January and is due for completion towards the end of this year.

The Vietnamese government assisted in funding the project, providing more than 35 billion kip (US$4 million) to the sports committee.

Officials from the governments of Laos and Vietnam attended a stone-laying ceremony on May 19 last year in Sikeuth village, Naxaithong district, to mark the agreement on the construction of the training centre.

Source: Vientianetimes