Games flame flickers out in closing spectacle
Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh yesterday invited Southeast Asian athletes to meet again in two years’ time at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia as the 25th SEA Games drew to an end in the closing ceremony at the National Stadium.
After the Prime Minister’s closing address, Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of 25th SEA Games Organising Committee Mr Somsavat Lengsavad announced Thailand as the champion of the medal table with a total of 86 gold medals, while second place went to Vietnam with 83 gold medals, and Indonesia came third with 43 gold medals.
Laos finished the competition in seventh place with 33 gold medals, 25 silver and 52 bronze medals. New SEA Games records were created in athletics, fin swimming, shooting and swimming.
Malaysian swimmer Daniel William Henry Bego was the top of medallistmedals, while the top female medallist was Ms Quah Ting Wen of Singapore, also receiving five gold medals in the swimming events.
Lao atheletes Mr SouthisoneThonmanivong and Ms Khamla Xayavong were the top performers for their country, winning two gold medals each in shuttlecock and shooting respectively.
Mr Somsavat thanked guests, athletes, domestic and foreign supporters and the Lao people for their contribution to the success of the games.
He also thanked the domestic and international media for their work in publicising and reporting on the events during the course of the games.
Mr Somsavat then handed over the SEA Games Flag to the Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Andi Malarangeng, to guard until the next time the flag is unfurled at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in 2011.
He said that Laos had organised a very successful SEA Games, and he thanked all Lao people for their kindness and hospitality. “See you at the next games in Indonesia,” he said.
In recognition of the great success of the 25th SEA Games, the Vice President of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mr Ng Ser Miang presented Mr Somsavat with the IOC President’s Trophy.
“I am a greatly privileged to have received this trophy from the IOC, which will be displayed in admiration of our people and organising committee in line with the IOC and SEA Games Committee,” said Mr Somsavat.
“We commit to pushing and encouraging the achievements of our athletes to a higher level, creating solidarity within the Aseancommunity and the world,” he said.
During the closing ceremony the thousands of officials, guests, athletes and spectators who attended enjoyed performances of songs from the 11 participating countries and an athletes’ parade led by the Lao army marching band.
The Lao national flag and SEA Games flags were lowered and the SEA Games flame was doused, before a dazzling fireworks display signalled the beginning of the cultural performances.
An Indonesian dance troupe started the show with a demonstration of the cultural dances of the next SEA Games host nation, before 8,000 Lao performers filled the stadium for the last time to give themed dances based on the seasons and festivals, a highlight being the Rocket Festival dance which featured a pair of comical dancing puppets.
The night closed with a song of friendship and solidarity before the sky exploded in a shower of fireworks to bring to an end to an event that will be remembered for years to come.
Source: KPL Lao News Agency
December 19, 2009
