Spectacular end to 25th SEA Games, IOC awards Laos as gracious hosts
(KPL) The 25th edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) came to a spectacular end on Friday night where in true ASEAN spirit, songs from all participating countries marked the beginning of the closing ceremony at the Main Stadium.
And as government leaders and VIP Guests slowly trickled into the gathering pace of songs, the marching in of the SEA Games flag began making their way into the stadium to the pace of the Laos Police Band.
Athletes and officials in their different multi-coloured costumes but all in celebratory mood were then paraded in just prior to the giving of the official closing ceremony speech by the Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the 25th SEA Games Organising Committee Somsavat Lengsavad.
The flags of hosts Laos and that of the SEA Games were lowered before the SEA Games flag was handed to the delegates from Indonesia to make their taking over of the 26th SEA Games in 2011. That marked the start of the official cultural and artistic performance beginning with the ‘Paddy Thrash Dance’.
Then came an ensemble of Laotian favourites of the ‘Lao New Year’ dance, the ‘Rocket Festival’ dance, the ‘Boat Racing Festival’ dance and which culminates in the ‘Gather Together Again’ dance – a performance from the delegation from Indonesia.
A spectacular display of fireworks to light the night sky then marked the end of the official closing ceremony and also a fabulous chapter to the 25th edition of the SEA Games when Laos played hosts to an incident-free meet.
IOC awards IOC awards Laos as gracious hosts
Laos gained further recognition as gracious hosts of the 25th SEA Games when the International Olympic Council awarded the nation with the President’s Trophy to the Standing Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and chairman of the 25th South East Asian Games Organizing Committee Somsavat Lengsavad.
Vice-President of the IOC, Ng Ser Miang, presented the award to Mr. Somsavat on behalf of IOC president Jacques Rogge.
“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 ideals as 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 Ng.
“On behalf of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family congratulate the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for hosting the South East Asian Games for the very first time. You have organized excellent Games and extended your warm and wonderful hospitality and friendship to all the participants and visitors to the Games.
“To each and every one of the 3100 athletes from the 11 SEA Games countries, you have competed, lived and embraced the Olympic values of “Excellence, Friendship and Respect”. Congratulations on your outstanding performances.
“Excellency, your personal interest and attention in the organization of the Games have resulted in the most successful Games, not only in terms of the excellent organization and outstanding hospitality, but also in the remarkable performances from the Laos athletes. The Laos athletes achieved a record total of 33 gold medals, 25 silver and 52 bronze medals to finish seventh overall,” he added.
The Laos People’s Democratic Republic now joins the list of countries that have successfully hosted the South East Asian Games. In his keynote address during the closing ceremony of the 25th edition of the SEA Games last night, Mr. Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of Laos said that Laos faced some difficulties in preparing for the Games.
“But as a member of ASEAN, we are committed to putting on the best Games we can. We, the Organizing Committee, contributed out best effort in every aspect to ensure that these SEA Games embody the Games’ philosophy of cooperation, friendship and mutual development,” added Bouasone.
“This is an opportunity for national economic and social development that will contribute to the preservation of our national culture and is a wonderful chance to show the world our beloved country which holds dear the sentiment of the Games motto: Generosity, Amity, Healthy Lifestyle.”
Source: KPL Lao News Agency
December 19, 2009
