15th ASEAN University Games: Opening Ceremony

CHIANG MAI – On December 15^th, the Opening Ceremony of the 15^th edition of the ASEAN University Games took place in the Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. For the first time eleven countries are taking part in these Games until December 23^rd. As it is the first participation of Myanmar, all ASEAN countries are present with a delegation in Chiang Mai. The ASEAN countries are also welcoming in this event, Timor-Leste that has the status of observer in the ASEAN.

Athlete’s OathMr. Somchai Wongsawat, the Minister of Education of Thailand, officially opened the Games, after the three official speeches that were made by Mrs. Narumol Paravat, Vice-Governor of Chiang Mai Province, Mr. Dato’ Omar Osman, President of the ASEAN University Sports Council and Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, the Secretary of the Office of the Higher Education Commission who was the Secretary-General of the 24^th Universiade OC. FISU was represented by Kolë Gjeloshaj, Director of Education and Development Services, Chief-of-Staff to the President.

The ceremony that was broadcasted live on national TV had three major cultural parts: “The glory from the highland, to the Kings of the Kings” “Welcome to Chiang Mai” and “The power of Harmony”.

Many officials were in attendance, amongst them we can mention the Deputy-Minister of Education of Myanmar, Mr. U Aung Myo Min; the Deputy-Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam, Mr. Tran Quang Quy and also the ambassadors accredited to Thailand of the countries participating in the Games such as the one of Cambodia, Lok Chumteav You Ay and of Timor-Leste.

(Source: Kolë Gjeloshaj, FISU Director of Education and Development Services)