ORGANIZERS of the 2009 Southeast Asian Games expressed confidence that the facilities for the games will be completed way ahead of the biennial meet, thanks in large part to the substantial financial package provided by the Chinese government.

China, through the Chinese Development Bank, has reportedly given the Laos organizing committee a financial package worth $80 million for the construction of the main stadium, the Laos National Sports Complex.

The financial aid was actually made available to Laos during the Beijing Olympics last August.

“Laos has enough budget for the construction of the 25th SEA Games stadium, thanks to the financial support from the Chinese Development Bank worth about $80 million. The stadium will be completed three months in advance,” said Khiengkham Phoudthavhanvongsa, a project head of the Laos organizing committee.

The Laotian official added that also nearing completion is new football stadium, where the opening and closing ceremonies of the games will be held.

The indoor stadium is 90-percent ready, while the petanque field is 80-percent finished while a taekwondo court is about 95-percent complete.

The government of Laos has likewise released around 69 billion kip ($2.43 million) as additional funding for the renovation of the football stadium and the construction of other venues in Ventiane. Peter Atencio




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