Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and his officials visit the football stadium in Xieng Khuang province, which will be used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Games.                                              --Photo Sports Daily News

Govt reviews progress of preparations for National Games

All facilities built for the 11th National Games, which will take place in Xieng Khuang province from December 13-22 are now almost complete, according to a senior official.
Only superficial improvements, cleaning and decorating still remain to be done, the Governor of Xieng Khuang province Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh told Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune recently.
The Deputy PM and his officials travelled to Xieng Khuang province on August 25-26 to monitor the progress of preparations for the 11th National Games.
The group was welcomed by Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, the Governor of Xieng Khuang Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh, and provincial officials.
The Games will comprise 25 sports, with 18 being played in indoor venues and seven taking place in the main stadium and other outdoor sports grounds. Some 460 officials are involved in the organisation of the Games.
Eighteen hotels will accommodate visiting senior officials, while other accommodation is being prepared for 27 sports trainers and the athletes. The province will be able to accommodate 8,580 visitors in total.
Mr Bounchanh said Xieng Khuang was ready to host the Games and that costs were within the allocated budget.
The new facilities and upgrades to other amenities will improve conditions for both officials and local residents, while the province’s economic growth is expected to reach 4.2 percent this year and average per capita income to rise to 17.3 million kip.
Revenue earned from the Games is expected to comprise 33 percent of the province’s budget for 2022, while expenditure will account for 41 percent of the budget.
Provincial officials have sourced 35 percent of its budget from the general public, and a further 31 percent from visitors.
Crop cultivation and livestock farming are significant contributors to the local economy and account for 11 percent of revenue earned, while exports account for about 88 percent.
The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the province’s leaders to ensure that everything was ready for the Games and to do everything possible to make the event a success.
The National Games are seen as an opportunity to promote the province’s tourist attractions and give a boost to social and economic development.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 30, 2022)