China lend a hand to Myanmar in SEA games organization

China helped Myanmar with organizing the 27th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to ensure the success of the Games.

This move will also strengthen cooperation and exchange between the two countries in culture including sports, Wang Shengwen, Director General of Department of Aid to Foreign Countries of Chinese Ministry of Commerce, told a joint press conference of Myanmar and China here Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the assistance will enhance the two countries' understanding and friendship, he said.

"Assisting Myanmar to organize the 27th SEA Games is a very important project for Chinese government. It shows the pauk phaw friendship between the two countries," Wang said.

At the request of the Myanmar Government, the Chinese side has undertaken the Technical Cooperation Project regarding the regional sports event.

The project includes four parts -- athletes training, game management system, training and competition equipment, and opening and closing ceremonies.

Wang said China sent 28 coaches to work in Myanmar for one year, and invited 176 Myanmar athletes from 11 different sport events to receive a 90-day training in China.

For game management system, Chinese side developed game management system software and leased game management system hardware and equipment.

For opening and closing ceremonies, China assisted Myanmar side to finish the ceremony design, provided or leased equipment including lightning and sound, stage equipment, fireworks and wire, and provided training and competition equipment.

Athletes training and game management system involve China Sport International Cooperation Limited, and opening and closing ceremonies technical support is undertaken by China Arts and Entertainment Group, he revealed.

The Chinese side has sent about 700 experts including coaches, Game managers, stage designers and technicians to work together with the working group from Myanmar relevant authorities including Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sport.

"Chinese coaches are cooperating well with Myanmar athletes and coaches. Myanmar national sports teams have finished the 90-day training in China. Stage directors from China and Myanmar are making every effort to design memorable opening and closing ceremonies with Myanmar characteristics for the SEA Games," he added.

U Yan Naing Oo, Director General of Fine Arts Department of Ministry of Culture of Myanmar, stressed that China's assistance in terms of technology and design for the SEA Games will not only highlight Myanmar's characteristics in the opening and closing ceremonies but also reflect that of the region as a whole.

Myanmar Deputy Minister for Sport U Thaung Htike expressed the belief that through the technical cooperation project, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Myanmar-host SEA Games would be the best ever performance in the history of the regional events.

The 27th SEA Games, to be held in Myanmar from Dec. 11 to 22, feature 33 sports and will be participated by 6,000 athletes from the region. Myanmar will field a delegation of 1,000 athletes who will take part in all 33 sport.