With many free services, the host of SEA Games 32 scores points for hospitality

A stadium will host competitions at the 32nd SEA Games. Source: Khmer Times

Nearly two weeks before the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 32), the host country of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th Southeast Asian Para Games (ASEAN Para Games 12), Cambodia, has scored points in the eyes of sports delegations and fans in the region for its hospitality when it decided to allow fans free entry, without charging media copyright fees and providing food, accommodation, and medical services for sports delegations competing in the upcoming games.

Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Organizing Committee of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games of Cambodia (CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC), said that after the organizing committee sent the notice of free meals and accommodation during the competition at the two upcoming sporting events to sports delegations in the region, there were many positive responses from countries, acknowledging and appreciating the kindness and hospitality of the host Cambodia.

According to Mr. Chamroeun, after receiving the above information, the National Olympic Committees of Southeast Asian countries responded, expressing excitement and gratitude for the kindness and great hospitality of the host Cambodia.

The CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC Secretary General added that the National Olympic Committees of many Southeast Asian countries, especially the Secretary General of the Lao National Olympic Committee, sent letters of welcome and appreciation for Cambodia hosting the 32nd SEA Games for the first time.

“What we are doing for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2023 has received the full support and applause from all our friends in ASEAN. It is a great honor,” Mr. Chamroeun said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Minn Thein Zan, Chairman of the Myanmar National Olympic Committee, also appreciated the decision not to charge accommodation and travel fees for sports delegations competing at the upcoming regional sports games in host country Cambodia.

According to CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC, on April 21, speaking at the torch relay ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games held in Myanmar, Mr. Zan stated: "I would like to express my deep gratitude to Cambodia for its decision to provide many free services that I have never heard of or known before. I am extremely excited about this good news."

On April 18, CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC announced its decision not to collect the food and accommodation service fee of 50 USD/person/day for members of sports delegations from Southeast Asian countries participating in the upcoming games.

This decision will significantly reduce costs for sports delegations competing at the 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.

Previously, the host country Cambodia also decided not to collect media copyright fees and open the doors for people and fans to freely attend matches at the upcoming SEA Games 32 and ASEAN Para Games 12.

The Kingdom of Cambodia will host the 32nd SEA Games with 37 events (including one demonstration event, no medal competition) and the 12th ASEAN Para Games with 13 events, taking place in May and June respectively.

The historic sporting event, which has been awaited for 64 years by the people of this Southeast Asian country, is expected to attract over 12,000 members of sports delegations to compete.

With the slogan "Sports - living in peace," the 32nd SEA Games takes place from May 5-17 in the capital Phnom Penh and four other localities including Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep./.