25th SEA Games, Laos

(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.

A contest at the National Culture Hall last Friday chose 10 announcers to compere the 25th SEA Games opening and closing ceremonies.

The winners were selected by the Lao SEA Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee from 90 initial applicants who entered the contest in September.



The main objective was to select the best announcers, who are required to speak excellent English and present the best of the nation's cultural and traditional characteristics in the form of dress, charm and behaviour during the opening and closing ceremonies.

The winners were each awarded 5 million kip and certificates of honour by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

In the final round, a group of 20 competitors showcased their master of ceremony skills in both Lao and English, as well-known Lao bands and singers entertained the audience.

Most of the winners have experience in television or radio.

The group will be split into five pairs and will have the very important role of making public announcements, including the introduction of programmes, during SEA Games events including the opening and closing ceremonies.

The first pair will compere the opening ceremony on December 9 and the second will take to the stage during the closing ceremony on December 18.

The other three pairs will act as substitutes and will be given other jobs to perform.

The group will undertake further training organised by the committee to ensure their stage presence and delivery meets the standard expected.

The 10 winners were Ms Silimata Douangphoumy, Ms Thipkesone Sithirajvongsa, Ms Sengsuliya Phonkaseumsouk, Ms Phenmaly Phonsena, Ms Siriphon Southammavong, Mr Phoutthason Duangphoumy, Mr Paliya Nuanthasing, Mr Anan Singsaveng, Mr Thatsaphone Leudthavone and Mr Bounpaseuth Oupathana.

By Phoonsab Thevongsa
Vientianetimes