The SEA Games torch relay arrives in Vientiane, Laos, on April 25. - AKP
PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network): Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed capital and provincial authorities to install large projector screens so they can organise public screenings of the upcoming 32nd SEA Games events.
He explained that the Olympic Stadium – and even the Morodok Techo National Stadium – had limited seating when compared with demand by the public.
All of the events will be free admission, but high demand will make tickets scarce for several events, he said, citing as an example the fact that all 14,300 seats for the men’s football team’s opening match were snapped up in less than an hour.
“The governors of the capital and all provinces must ensure that facilities are made available for all of our people to witness the games. This work should be completed as soon as possible, so that public safety and security can be planned,” he said in an April 25 audio address to the nation.
“In particular, I know that there are many football fans in every one of the provinces, therefore all governors must make sure they can watch the matches,” he added.
The SEA Games will begin in less than 10 days, with Cambodia hosting the biennial multi-sports events after 64 years of waiting.
Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith inspected preparations for the live broadcast of the event on April 24, noting that technical support was being provided by a South Korean company.
“Many sports will be happening at the same time, so we need to be very precise with our coverage. I would estimate that preparations are 90 per cent complete,” he said.
“As of April 24, nearly 1,000 media representatives have registered for the games, but this number is likely to increase, as sports reporters are likely to accompany several of the visiting teams,” he added.
He said he believes that the SEA Games would drive Asean centrality, unity and build a strong joint community, noting that sports are apolitical.
