25th SEA Games, Laos

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

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.



By Sisay Vilaysack

Vientianetimes

Vientiane Mayor Sombath Yialiher has asked businesses not to hike up their prices during the SEA Games, given the practice has been declared illegal by the organising committee.

Mr Sombath said the Vientiane Administration Office issued an announcement last week to all businesses in Vientiane to control the price of goods and services in Vientiane during the 25th SEA Games next month.

“The announcement will control the price of things including products on sale at markets, hotels, guesthouses and restaurants because we do not want complaints from visitors that prices were too high during the games,” he said. A survey conducted by Vientiane press last weekend found that some businesses were planning to increase their prices by almost 50 percent.

The press then interviewed the Mayor, who said he could solve the problem with other involved sectors.

“We also heard reports from staff about the problem, which is bad news for us, so I ordered a special unit of our staff to go down to the market and check the prices. They found the information that had been given to us was true,” Mr Sombath said.

He added that some merchants had raised their prices, but not all of them.

“Another problem is that guesthouses will increase their prices so we should hurry to try and stop them.”

The Vientiane Administration Office has started to crack down on the problem, and has ordered a special unit to inspect prices before the games start next week.

A restaurant owner told press that they didn't intend to raise prices during the SEA Games, but would be forced to because the price of vegetables and other products would increase.

Some accommodation providers also said it would be a good opportunity to earn extra income because there would be plenty of people needing places to stay during the games.

Mr Sombath said if businesses kept raising their prices the government had measures in place to deal with them.

The Vientiane Mayor asked everyone to respect the announcement because it would affect the reputation of the country if prices were too high.

He said people needed accommodation and other services and if they were forced to pay too much they would complain about Laos when they got back home and hinder the growth of tourism in the future.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

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.

Source: Vientiane Times

Check out the badminton draw of the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane, Laos.
To view, CLICK HERE

During the upcoming SEA Games 140 volunteers will ensure people are aware of smoking-free zones and promote the ‘Smoke-Free SEA Games' campaign in Vientiane.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency's Tobacco Control Programme Coordinator, Dr Maniphanh Vongphosy, said yesterday the National Sports Committee had granted permission for a booth to be set up outside the National Stadium to promote the campaign.

“During the games we'll have 120 volunteers walking around all the sport venues ensuring that smokers only smoke in the allocated areas and providing information on the dangers of smoking cigarettes. We'll also have 20 other volunteers providing free face painting of national flags and the smoke-free logo to interested people,” she said.

“We'll also organise quizzes at our booth, where people can win T-shirts and other items to show support for their team.”

Dr Maniphanh said the committee is currently considering a proposal by the programme to install signs bearing the smoke-free logo along roadsides throughout Vientiane .

The Comprehensive Tobacco Control Law is also currently being debated at the National Assembly's 8th ordinary session.

The enforcement of smoke-free zones during the SEA Games is in accordance with the World Health Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was ratified by Laos in 2006.

The Philippines , Vietnam and Thailand all enforced smoke-free zones when they hosted past SEA Games.

On May 31, 2007, Luang Prabang province issued the first smoke-free regulations in Laos to mark World No Tobacco Day. The eighth National Games held in Champassak province last year was also a smoke-free event.

The Tobacco Control Taskforce of Laos is cooperating with the World Health Organisation, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance and the Lao National Sports Committee to reduce the use of tobacco products in Laos .

Every year some five million people in the world die from the effects of tobacco. About 14,000 people die each day, 600 each hour, 10 each minute, and one every three seconds.

In the next 20 years some 10 million people will die from the effects of tobacco use.

By Panyasith Thammavongsa
Vientianetimes

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

The nation's golfers are better prepared than ever as they come out swinging for the 25th SEA Games in December.

Lao Golf Federation President Sounthone Sirisack said while the team was still young, they had gained valuable experiences and improved their scores since previous competitions.

With the golfers improving greatly, he raised the stakes by saying that golf will be a medal hope for Laos at the 25th SEA Games.

“We didn't perform well enough in previous SEA Games, but this time we are the host so our athletes have goodwill from the government, Lao people and their families to practise hard for these games.”

“Now they are better than ever and ready for the challenge,” he said.

After the announcement that golf would be included as one of the sports of the 25th SEA Games, the federation had gathered the nation's most experienced as well as up-and-coming players.

Trial matches were held to select the best golfers in Laos to prepare for the games in December.

“We had many of them prepare for the games, and now we have chosen 10 of them for the final team,” Mr Sounthone said.

“We have seven starting members including three women. The remaining three will be substitutes.”

During the preparations, the golfers received encouragement from the federation and the government as well as their families, who are eager to support them as they compete for the nation.

“We have had enough equipment during preparations and received great cooperation from the countries where we sent our players to practise. This was good preparation for them ahead of the games,” he said.

Mr Sounthone said the federation has found the popularity of golf in Laos to be increasing.

The SEA Games are seen as an opportunity for the federation to spark development of a new generation of Lao golfers.

The federation has also teed up financial support.

Assisting the federation financially are Beam Global Asia Pte Limited (US$15,000) and International Commercial Bank Lao Limited (US$5,000).

Both are hoping their support will translate into Lao success on fairways next month.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

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.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

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.



By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes

Sporting equipment will be installed at almost all SEA Games venues by the end of this month, according to the SEA Games Technical and Preparation for Sport Contingent Committee.


The badminton court is almost ready for SEA Games matches.

Vice Chairman of the committee, Mr Phouvan Vongsouthi, said yesterday that 90 percent of the required equipment has already been fitted at each venue, except for the billiards and snooker venue.

The committee reported that most of the sporting equipment is already in Laos , while the rest has been ordered and is yet to arrive from abroad.

Equipment for the archery, badminton, swimming, football, muay, taekwondo, karatedo and shuttlecock events has been ordered but is yet to arrive. It should be received and installed by the middle of this month.

Mr Phouvan said many venues are just waiting for final pieces of equipment, such as the shooting range where most equipment is already installed and just running targets are yet to be delivered from Germany .

“Equipment for the swimming event has already been provided by China , but we had to order some chemicals to treat the water from another country,” he said.

He said officials overseeing the wushu, sepak takraw and pencak silat events are waiting for the That Luang Festival fair to conclude at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre where those events will be held before they install equipment.

The committee confirmed that 25 sports will be contested at the games. There are 370 events in the programme with 1,239 medals on offer, consisting of 370 gold, 370 silver and 539 bronze medals.

Events will be held at six venues in Vientiane - the National Sports Complex at Km 16, National University of Laos' Sport Centre, Chao Anouvong Sports Centre, Lao-ITECC Sports Centre, Beungkhangong Sports Centre and the Don Chan Palace hotel.

The main complex will host the athletics, aquatics, archery, badminton, men's football, golf, shooting, tennis and volleyball (indoor and beach) events. The National University of Laos' Sports Centre will hold the boxing, women's football, petanque, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling competitions.

Chao Anouvong will be the site for men's and women's football, judo and karate-do. Lao-ITECC will host the pencak silat, sepak takraw and wushu events. The Buengkhangong Sports Centre will see muay and shuttlecock action, and Don Chan Palace will hold the billiards and snooker events as well as serving as the start and finish points for the cycling races.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

The SEA Games Technical Committee announced yesterday they still don't know how many athletes from Cambodia , the Philippines , Vietnam and Laos will take part in the SEA Games.

Committee member Mr Volavin Sibounnong said they were waiting for these four countries to provide lists of participants in each sport.

The other competing countries have already submitted the requisite forms to the committee after the SEA Games' Chef de Mission (CDM) meeting last month.

“We want these countries to send the completed forms to our committee before our meeting on November 9. We need to know the number so we can divide competitors into groups for each event, so it's important for us to know the exact number before the meeting,” he explained.

The committee reported on October 20, before the CDM meeting, that 4,278 athletes from 11 countries - Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Timor Leste - will attend the games.

“That was the number of athletes and officials that was submitted to the committee back then, but now four of those countries are sending entry forms to the committee with the names and exact numbers of competitors in each sport,” Mr Volavin said.

The proposed numbers showed Cambodia would send 224 athletes and officials, the Philippines 775, Laos 661, and Vietnam 600.

The committee said the numbers would be announced in full after the upcoming meeting, when it would be known exactly how many athletes will participate in the games.

SEA Games events will begin on December 2, with the opening ceremony to be held on December 9 and the closing ceremony on December 18.

The 25 sports to be contested are: archery, athletics, aquatics, badminton, billiards and snooker, boxing, cycling, football, golf, judo, karatedo, muay, pencak silat, petanque, sepak takraw, shooting, shuttlecock, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.

“After our meeting on November 9 we can officially announce the exact number of contestants. The IT Committee will upload the information onto the games' website and it will be announced in the media,” Mr Volavin said.



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) More than 320 track-and-field referees have been trained for serving the coming the 25th SEA Games, the biggest sporting event of Southeast Asia, which will be held in December this year.

The training was from 8 to12 October in Vientiane. The trainees underwent an intensive course by trainers from the International Track-and-Field Federation to ensure that their judgement conforms to international standards.

A trial competition to test the readiness of the national track-and-field athletes was also held at the National Stadium on Monday.

The National Track-and-Field Federation has also requested the 25th SEA Games? National Organising Committee to consider its facilitation of the federation?s personnel preparation for serving the 25th SEA Games.

Present at the closing ceremony of the training on Monday, were the Vice-President of the National Sport and Gymnastic Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa, and over 80 trainees and relevant officials.

The final number of athletes from each nation to compete in the 25th SEA Games will be announced on October 26.

Vice Chairman of the SEA Games Technical Committee, Mr Kasem Inthara, yesterday said Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Laos had all submitted athlete numbers to the committee, but a report had yet to be received from Timor Leste.

“We believe about 4,200 athletes from those 10 countries will compete at the games. Laos has the largest contingent at 661athletes, followed by Thailand with 637 and Vietnam with 600 athletes,” he said.

Although the countries had already sent figures to the committee, final numbers of athletes from each nation, and their names, will be reported at the end of the month.

The committee will organise a meeting between sporting officials involved in the games on October 23 to discuss any issues before the list of athletes is finalised.

The games will take place from December 9 to 18 in Vientiane, and will comprise 383 events in the 25 sports of athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, snooker and billiards, muay, cycling, football, golf, judo, karatedo, sepak takraw, shooting, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, pencak silat, petanque, fin swimming, diving and shuttlecock.

As well as taking place at the National Stadium, events will be held at indoor and outdoor courts at Chao-anouvong Stadium in Anou village, Chanthabouly district, the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre, Beungkhayong Stadium, Don Chan Palace hotel and facilities at the National University of Laos.

Vice Chairman of the SEA Games Organising Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-Akhom, has said hosting the games is important for political matters, foreign affairs issues and socio-economic and cultural development, as well as national security and the promotion of a peaceful society.

Committees have been formed to oversee hospitality, transportation, travel arrangements and security during the games. They include representatives from the ministries of Public Works and Transport, Health, Public Security, and Information and Culture, the Lao National Tourism Administration and other organisations.



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
October13, 2009
Vintianetimes

Lao supporters are full of enthusiasm at the thought of cheering on their players at the SEA Games in December, the first time the country has ever hosted the event.

The jovial atmosphere in and around the National Football Stadium on Tuesday night saw everyone in high spirits and fervent about the 4-Nations Football Tournament.


One spectator, Ms Latsamy Xaysongkham, 22, attended every match of the tournament, which took place on October 2, 4 and 6.

Ms Latsamy said she was delighted to be part of the cheering squad during the tournament and hopes to do the same at SEA Games football matches.

During the events in December, she and her friends plan to be good cultural ambassadors and on their best behaviour for visitors to Laos .

She commented on the national team's progressive development and the beneficial experience to be gained from the 4-nations tournament.

She believes the team's success in the upcoming games depends largely on the encouragement they get from their fans. She expressed her readiness to display her enthusiasm and support for the players on the big day.

This ardent spectator is also an avid fan of sepak takraw and will show her support for the country's team during this event as well.

Ms Latsamy lives in Nongchan village, Sisattanak district, and graduated from Rattana Business Administration College in 2007. She now runs her own construction materials business.

She asks all Lao people to show support for their teams and accompany her in cheering them on during the important events.

Ms Anisa Phanthasombath, 18, is another devoted football fan.

She is also a strong supporter of the Lao petanque team, which has high hopes of a medal in the SEA Games.

Like her compatriots, she realises the games have been a long time coming for Laos and is relishing the huge build-up in anticipation of this historic occasion.

She too knows the importance of being a good spectator. Additionally, Ms Anisa recognises the significance of promoting local products, and the need for everyone's participation in keeping Vientiane and all the sporting venues safe and clean.

Ms Anisa is in her first year at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the National University of Laos and lives in Naxay village, Xaysettha district.

In the final match of the 4-Nations Football Tournament, Laos took first place after drawing with Malaysia 1-1. The first match on October 2 saw Laos draw with Vietnam 2-2, and beat Thailand 3-0 in their second match on October 4.

On the back of this success on home soil, the Lao Football Federation will work hard with the team, hoping to sustain this performance throughout the SEA Games.

The team will soon compete in a regional tournament in Cambodia in order to gain even more experience before taking on the challenge of the SEA Games.

During a press conference at the National Stadium after Tuesday's final, popular striker Lamnao Singto was interviewed by the Lao media.

He expressed the elation he felt during the tournament due to the vocal support of fans.

He thanked them for coming to the matches, saying “I will give my best to train and improve for future games.”

So polish up your vocal chords, everyone, and let's hear it for Laos .



By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

Vientianetimes

(KPL) 30 ladies who will be engaged in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 25th South East Asian Games (SEA Games) finished recently a course to upgrade their knowledge, particularly the principle, method and plan for the parade into the stadium.

A closing ceremony for the training course was officially held on 30 September at the National Sports Committee in the presence of Mr. Onesy Phamisay, Director General of the Mass Sports Department, National Sports Committee, who is also head of the sub-committee for opening- closing and culture, advisor for the parade, and torch for the 25th SEA Games. Ms. Phosay Phengphong, Deputy-Director of the Mass Sports Department, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Sub-Committee for Medals of the 25th SEA Games, and other high-ranking officials of the National Sports Committee were also present at the function.

On this occasion, Mr. Khamphanh Onphanh, Acting Director of the Sports Department, head of the flag holders for the 25th SEA Games, highlighted the activities of the course which are aimed to upgrade the knowledge and to review the activities made in the last period. He said that it also aimed to equip the trainees with the right ideology, fine discipline, good character, respect to organisation and high sense of responsibility.

During the training, the participants have learnt a number of lessons relating to the parade including the rule and method to hold the flags during their parade to the stadium.

At the end of the closing ceremony, Mr. Onesy expressed congratulations to all trainees for their great contribution to the course and asked all of them to further continue to learn more in order to bring the honour to the nation during the 25th SEA Games, which is scheduled to open in Laos on 8-19 December, 2009.

(KPL) The construction of a new national complex stadium, located at km16, Saythany district, Vientiane Capital, is now completed and would be officially handed over on 22 September. Mr Khammanh Koumphon, Director of the new National Stadium, told the Lao media on 11 September that the new National Stadium at Km16 would be used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 25th SEA Games.

The athletes will compete for 383 gold medals in a total 25 sport events, including swimming, archery, badminton, snooker and billiards, Muay Thai, cycling, football, golf, judo, karate-do, sepak takraw, shooting, tennis, table-tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, pencak silat, petanque, fin swimming, diving and shuttlecock.Most of the sport fields are now ready for competition, he said.

However, some fields are waiting for electricity installation because the materials have to be imported, he said.The construction of the stadium started in late 2008 by a Chinese construction company.He said that it was the first stadium that modern materials were used in the installation and it was the priciest stadium in the country.?We are now waiting for FIFA to inspect the standard of the stadium, which is expected in this month,? said Mr Khamman.The hand-over ceremony of the stadium is strived to be held on 22 September, he said. About 5,000 athletes from 10 South East Asian countries, as well as the newly-established Timor Leste, will be taking part in the region?s 25th mini-Olympics from Dec 9 to 18.

Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad said that almost all the sporting venues had been completed, including the National Sports Complex.

?The complex (16km from here) is 100 per cent completed. We are now in the process of installing electricity, water and sports facilities before the hand-over of the premises on 22 September,? he told a briefing for the diplomatic corps and media in Vientiane on Monday.

Vientiane 's new sports complex opened its doors to the media on Friday to display the progress in preparations for the 25th SEA Games.

During the visit journalists saw that many facilities were complete except for some final touches and furnishings, but some sports fields were still under construction.


National Stadium Director Khamman Khoumphon said during the media visit that the beach volleyball and archery fields were still under construction. “We will hurry to complete them as soon as possible because we need to test the outdoor and indoor stadiums and improve them before the games.”

There are six stadiums inside the new national sporting complex at km 16, in Dongxanghin village Xaythany district. The largest is the main football stadium which can hold over 17,000 people and will also be used for the SEA Games opening and closing ceremonies.

“There are also two indoor stadiums for volleyball and badminton. Other facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool and shooting stadiums,” he said.

Mr Khamman said according to the SEA Games Organising Committee the sports complex is to be tested and checked for construction standards and management before the start of the games.

“The badminton federation is the first testing its indoor stadium and on October 2 the first football match will be played in the stadium,” he said.

The media visit, organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture, was to allow local media to ask questions and view progress in preparations.

Mr Khamman said the organising committee had agreed to hold a handover ceremony of the facilities on September 22, when he believed construction of both the archery and beach volleyball facilities would be complete.

The games will take place at the National Stadium and complex, Chao-Anouvong stadium in Anou village, Chanthabouly district, the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre, Beungkhayong stadium, Don Chan Palace hotel and facilities at the National University of Laos.

The games will be held from December 9 to 18 and will comprise 383 events in the 25 sports of athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, snooker and billiards, muay, cycling, football, golf, judo, karatedo, sepak takraw, shooting, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, pencak silat, petanque, fin swimming, diving and shuttlecock.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

The most famous, brightest and talented artists at present in Laos come together to sing the 25th SEA Games theme song. They are Sithiphone, Sam, Gai, Malya and Poui. The English version is called SEA Games Harmony and Lao version is Samakee SEA Games. Lyric and Rhythm by: Saysavath Singnamvong.



SEA GAMES HARMONY
Lyric and Rhythm by: Saysavath Singnamvong
Music arrangement by: (Mee) Soulinthone Kounsathone
English Arrangement by: Sithiphone Souvannasouk, Sam, Andy
Performance by: Sithiphone Souvannasouk

Malya: Hand in hand together we’re strong
A brighter day has come along

Gai & Poui: To celebrate with all nations
Step forward, United in SEA Games

Sith: Together we’ll build our athletes
Forever our friendship in games

Sam: Competed a game with heart and soul
Go forward, United in SEA Games

Group: SEA Games is what brings us together
Hand in hand, walk the same path in peace
SEA Games is a great competition
Tight the knot comes together for SEA GAMES

Group: Hand in hand together we’re strong
A brighter day has come along
To celebrate with all nations
Step forward, United in SEA Games

Na ……Na………Na………Na………Na………Na……

Group: Harmony, friendships in SEA Games
Compete in spirit and fair play
Light up the SEA Games torch
Eternal flame