The Standing Committee of the Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC) on February 8 convened a meeting with national sports federations to review the progress of their work and resolve any remaining issues as the Kingdom prepares to host the historic 32nd SEA Games in May.
Led by Minister of Tourism and CAMSOC permanent vice-president Thong Khon, the meeting focused on the performance of the federations, each of which shall have a clear action plan and address any problems that may arise.
CAMSOC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun said following the meeting that everyone acknowledged responsibility for their part of the games.
“Every event at the games has to be organised with the input of both the national and international sporting federations, as well as CAMSOC. All three groups must work together to ensure that competitions are smooth, and in line with the international standards of each event,” he said.
Each national federation will be responsible for controlling the rules and officiating of its specific sport.
“These conditions were explained by [Khon], and the committee shared their expectations with all of the federations. Each of them assured us that they would work closely with their international counterparts to ensure that the judging and refereeing of all events is up to the standards such a prestigious event demands. We divided tasks between us, so we all know what goals we have to meet,” added Chamroeun.
As of February 9, Cambodia had just 85 days left to prepare for the games. Chamroeun announced that the technical directors of each federation would work together at the Morodok Techo National Stadium to ensure effective communication between them.
“For the next 86 days, we need the technical directors of each CAMSOC-appointed national sports federation to sit together in the Games Operation Centre and consult with each other every day. From now on, the joint operations centre will be the central body in charge of all preparations for the games,” he said.
“CAMSOC has allocated funds to each technical director so he or she can match their administrative needs. This will allow the work of each sporting commission to move forward with vigor, and optimism that we will organise a successful games, together,” he added.
Each federation is also responsible for ensuring that any athletes who are training abroad are present at the Sports Village by April 30. The only exception to this is the national football teams of each participating nation. Matches begin on April 29, so teams should arrive on April 25 or 26.
“We are all working to monitor our progress and meet any challenges, together, just as Khon instructed. The CAMSOC president, Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh, has also recommended that all available staff must leave the framework of their ministries and institutions to work with CAMSOC as much as possible,” added Chamroeun.
