The 25th SEA Games concluded with an impressive closing ceremony on Friday Dec18, in Vientiane Laos. The games that began on Dec. 9 with a spectacular opening have brought recognition to the tiny host country and pride to its people. The day before the games ended, Laos' Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, and Chair of the 25th SEA Games Organizing Committee, shared his feelings of pride with VOA by phone from Vientiane.
"I think that it's an honor for the Laos PDR to host the 25th SEA
Games, a historical event in Vientiane. This is the best outcome showing the
unity of the Lao people and Lao nationalism to a very high level. All Lao
people around the country have a part in this extravaganza event in one way or
another. For example, they are a part of the security operations, and help out
to secure the safety not only in Vientiane Capital, but throughout the country,
all most every province. I am proud to say that all Lao people are in this
event together; they are very proud to host the SEA Games. It is everyone's
duty, not an individual event."
In this
25th SEA Games, Laos exceeded its expectations and did far
better than
two year ago in the 24th SEA Games in Thailand, collecting a total
of 110 medals including 33 gold, 25 silver and 52 bronze, bringing pride to all
Laotians.
For more
on the SEA Games and Mr. Somsavat's comments, listen to our interview with the
Lao Standing DPM by clicking any of the audio files on the top right.