Mr Sivilay Sengchaleun (right) and Ms Khanthaly Siriphongphanh speak at a meeting in Xieng Khuang on Monday.                       --Photo Education-Sports Daily News

Sports ministry, Xieng Khuang plan for National Games

The Ministry of Education and Sports and Xieng Khuang provincial authorities on Monday met to discuss plans for the 11th National Games, which will take place in Xieng Khuang in November and December.
Head of the province’s Education and Sports Department Mr Bounleuan Vannahak said the department would gather information about plans for the games and make a full report to the government at a later date.
The games will comprise 28 sports, which will be divided into five groups. Throughout the games, Covid control measures will be in force to prevent an outbreak of the virus.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor of Xieng Khuang province, Mr Sivilay Sengchaleun, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Ms Khanthaly Siriphongphanh, and senior officials from the province and ministry.
The Department of Education and Sports will carry out regular checks to make sure the organisers have everything under control and that the games will finally go ahead without a hitch after being postponed three times for various reasons.
The main stadium will be inspected to ensure everything is in place for the opening and closing ceremonies, and a budget is being drawn up for the competition organising committee, repair of sports facilities, provision of accommodation, and other requirements.
Other provinces and some ministries will then prepare athletes to attend the games, if the government gives the green light to the event.
Competitions will be staggered, with two or three different events taking place each week to reduce crowding and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The opening ceremony will be attended by sports teams from provinces and ministries.
Provincial officials will prepare performers for the opening ceremony and will limit the number of people attending. 
The main football stadium, which will be used for most events, was built in 2019 and is in good condition.
The last National Games was hosted by Oudomxay province in 2014.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 8, 2022)