Games a chance to show ‘Khmer heart’
PRIME Minister Hun Sen has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment as hosts of the upcoming 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, noting that the Kingdom has prepared a sufficient budget to provide adequate food and accommodation to the sporting delegates and officials who will be attending the historic events.
While addressing a temple inauguration ceremony at Preah Barami Vongkot Borey Pagoda in the capital’s Sen Sok district on April 24, he explained that waiving fees for admission and broadcasting rights for the biennial multi-sports events means that the world would get the chance to witness the true heart of Cambodia.
“We have dared to do everything we can to regain national honour and pride,” he said.
“We will not charge anyone, whether Khmer or foreigner, admission to any of the events. We are spending another $7 million to house and feed our guests. Normally, the host nation charges up to $50 a day for these services, but we want the world to understand the true hospitality that every Khmer has in their heart,” he added.
Hun Sen made the decision to waive all fees for admission, broadcasting rights and food and accommodation of the visiting national teams. Fans who attend the games will be responsible for their own housing and dining requirements.
“We want to make sure that people see that although Cambodia is a small country, a poor country, it has a heart bigger than any ocean. I hope that the next hosts will remember our generosity, but of course, that is up to them,” he said.
“We decided that we could not charge fees, because we cannot profit from our people. They have been waiting 64 years for this opportunity,” he explained.
Hun Sen urged the residents of Phnom Penh – and Siem Reap, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Kep provinces, which are also providing venues for various events – to be patient and show understanding if the games cause any traffic congestion.
“All Cambodians, from the games’ organising committees to those in the street, is representing the Kingdom. We must all take good care of our guests,” he urged.
Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng called on all Cambodians to participate in demonstrating the spirit of national pride, while protecting the Kingdom’s reputation.
“In just 11 days, Cambodia will bring itself fame by hosting the SEA Games and Para Games. Phnom Penh is providing the foundation for the games, so I ask that the people of the capital, from monks to lay people, from young to old, be ready to ensure that the events are successful and bring honour to the Kingdom,” he said.
According to the SEA Games organising committee, there will be 581 events, across 37 sports.
The first event will be the pool matches of the men’s football competition, which kicks off on April 29.
Keo Sareth, secretary-general of the Football Federation of Cambodia, said all 14,300 tickets had been given away in the first hour of availability, including 1,300 tickets for Zone A and 13,000 tickets for Zone B.