25th SEA Games opens with dazzling performances

(KPL) The 25th Southeast Asian Games, commonly known as the SEA Games or Vientiane Games 2009, was officially opened at 18:00 hours yesterday in Vientiane Capital of the Lao PDR.
The opening ceremony started with the performance of greeting songs of “Champa Meuang Lao” (frangipani of Laos), the Land of Freedom, My Motherland and “Sabaidy” (Greetings).
Then came the parade of officials and athletes in the 25th SEA Games of ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste, who were greeted by the Party and State leaders of the Lao PDR. The parade was also greeted by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, ASEAN Secretary General and officials of ASEAN countries.
The new 20,000-seat National Stadium was filled up by local residents and foreign fans.
In his opening speech, Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the 25th SEA Games Organising Committee, highlighted the preparation for this games and expressed warm welcome and thanks to the party and state leaders of the Lao PDR, the government leaders of neighbouring countries and all guests from local and foreign countries, athletes as well as delegations from the 10 ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste.
Finally, the Vientiane Games 2009, scheduled on 9-18 December, was announced opened officially by President Choummaly Sayasone.
The torch of the 25th SEA Games was lit up by Sang Sinsay (a hero in a Lao traditional folklore), who shot his arrow to burn the fire.
The opening was marked with the cultural and art performances, including Welcome SEA Games Dance, the Sound of Jungle dance, Golden Rice Field, Sinsay - the Hero of New Era, and the Bright Future and Binding Heart to March to the Future, among others. These performances depicted the history of the unification of land and people to proclaim the Kingdom of Lane Xang by King Fa Ngum, and the development till now.
The depiction also covers the way of living, culture and tradition, the natural beauty, the ongoing development and the aspiration for a bright future of Lao people.
The performances were given amid the dazzling fireworks and inspiring revolutionary march songs.
The 25th SEA Games or Vientiane Games, themed "Generosity, Amity, Healthy Lifestyle," is participated by over 3,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries, who will vie for a total of 381 gold medals in 25 sport events.
Events in men's football were started on 2 December, before the opening ceremony. The water polo events began on 5 December, women's football on 4 December.
The first gold medal of the games was won by Singapore on 6 December when the water polo team came out unbeaten in the round-robin tournaments, with the Philippine team taking the silver medal and the Indonesian team the bronze.
The Games were also considered both a spectacular event and a valuable opportunity for athletes to gain competition experience and preparation for the upcoming Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
It was designed to strengthen friendship, solidarity and understanding among countries in the region.
This is the first SEA Games to be hosted by Laos.