LAOS GAMES & DONATED FOOTBALLS (SOCCER)

March 11, 2009

All I have to show you is my ticket from the final play off soccer games and the spectacular closing ceremony at the Champasak Lao Games held from December 13 to December 22, 2009 in Pakse, Champasak Province, Southern Laos.  As I previously reported, the City had been preparing for these Games for the past year.  There was some doubt the stadium and other facilities would be completed for this major Olympic style, sporting event in this small City.   I suspect there may have been some complaints from the thousands of people that ascended on Pakse to attend these games, but they overwhelmingly accomplished an outstanding job performed with courtesy and a smile.

I had been offered 2 tickets for the final day events at the National Stadium.  Being not sure because of Indigo Threads busy schedule and to be honest, do I dare say, not crazy about soccer, I wasn’t that interested in attending.  My neighbors, Ms. Moon and Mr. Noon who were on their way to the stadium, stopped by to tell me the games were starting in one hour.  Just finishing the School Lunch Program clean up, Tuk On and myself headed for the stadium, which was a challenge.  Every assess road near the stadium was blocked with parking nearly 2 Km. away.  With the help of attendants (volunteer college students) we found our seats located in the shade in this huge stadium.  Every seat was filled for which I paid an unbelievable $2.40 per ticket.  I should mention, people and bags were x-rayed by the security staff before entering the facilities---at least I was.

That day it didn’t matter if you understood the game or not.  The infectious enthusiasm in the stadium was contagious.  I don’t know what team was declared the champion but I cheered for every one, as did many others.  They were all champions as these games where among Laos teams from throughout the Country.  

Immediately following the games, an awesome spectacular cultural show was presented.  Each Laotian group was represented in matching colorful costumes.  The groups numbered from 200 to 600 performing dance routines, marching or acting out traditional stories.  The lighting, the changing stage backdrops, the selected music and the performances were reminiscent of the recent China Olympic Opening Ceremony.  Well sure, maybe not as grand but OH, I WAS PROUD TO BE LAO THAT DAY. The show ending at 9:00 PM with a mesmerizing fireworks display that was absolutely as exciting as any Olympic Ceremony.  Guess what, I forgot to bring my camera.  What a shame not to capture these wonderful moments.  I will always have it in my memory as a ‘proud day for Lao’ and me

Photo:   Phout Somphone Primary School Teacher, Mr. Bounlia,accepts football donation (5) donation from, Indigo Threads Director.

 

In the following days, Phout Samphone Primary School teachers asked Indigo Threads to provide their students with footballs (soccer balls).   Unfortunately, students from these rural areas did not have the opportunity to attend the Games.  School was in session and the ticket price was too high for students from these poor rural villages.  City schools were on a month-long break in preparation for the Games and to help decrease the City’s traffic congestion.  Indigo Threads donated 5 footballs to the 150 students.  In a letter to the School’s Supervisor stated, “We are happy to make a donation of 5 footballs to your students to encourage school sporting activities and sportsmanship.  Indigo Threads wants to support sports as a means of a possible future career choice, demonstrated from the successful Champasak Games.”  They now have 3 soccer nets located throughout the school grounds.  Indigo Threads did not forget to donate the air pump.  These quality Thai made footballs cost $6.00 each.   I consider this a great investment for so little.

Livin' the Indigo Threads Life.

Mary D. Meyer

President/Executive Director

mdmeyer@indigothreads.org

      

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