Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mr Ng Ser Miang presented a trophy to Lao Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad yesterday, in recognition of an overwhelmingly successful SEA Games marked by Laos’ unique hospitality to all participants and visitors to the event.
The award was presented on behalf of IOC President Mr Jacques Rogge during last night’s spectacular closing ceremony of 25th SEA Games at the National Stadium.
Mr Ng said that on behalf of the IOC President, he had the privilege of honouring the government and people of Laos and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 25th SEA Games, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, on the success of the event.
“In recognition of your outstanding effort in the promotion of sport in Laos, your bringing Southeast Asian athletes to share a unique experience of the Games in Vientiane, and for fulfilling the Olympic idealsas expounded by Pierre de Coubertin, the founding father of the modern Olympic Games, the IOC awards you the International Olympic Committee President’s Trophy,” said Mr Ng during the presentation of the award.
“It is a great honour and privilege for me to join you this evening to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 25th Southeast Asian Games. On behalf of the IOC and the Olympic Family we congratulate the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for hosting the Games for the very first time,” he said.
“You have organised an excellent Games and extended your warm and wonderful hospitality and friendship to all participants and visitors to the games. To each and every one of the 3,100 athletes from the 11 SEA Games countries, you have competed, lived and embraced the Olympic values of ‘Excellence, Friendship and Respect’,” said Mr Ng, congratulating all SEA Games athletes on their outstanding performances.
“Over the past three years, you have worked tirelessly to fulfill your Government’s vision to promote sport among the people of your country, hence contributing to building a peaceful and better world through the practice of sport in the Olympic spirit. Sport is after all the only language understood by everyone, and an important element that unites people,” he said.
Mr Ng commented that the Sports Complex at Km16 with its magnificent main stadium, aquatic centre, shooting range, tennis courts and competition halls, amongst the other outstanding facilities spread throughoutVientiane such as the SEA Games Golf Course and the Judo Hall were among the best found in the Southeast Asian region.
“Your personal interest and attention in the organisation of the Games have resulted in a most successful games, not only in terms of the excellent organisation and outstanding hospitality, but also in the remarkable performances from the Lao athletes. The Lao athletes achieved a record total of 33 gold, 25 silver and 52 bronze medals. Congratulations!” he said.
Source: KPL Lao News Agency
December 19, 2009
