FLYING HIGH

Reporting by Gordon De Souza in Vientiane

Text by Team Singapore Editorial

Picture by Aundry Gan

By the time the official flag raising ceremony (pictured) for the SEA Games was held on December 8 at the Games village, Singapore had already won its first gold medal, courtesy of its water polo team. This was a pyschological boost for the competition ahead.

Upbeat Mood

The mood was understandably upbeat for Team Singapore as officials, athletes and dignitaries joined their counterparts from the other countries for the flag raising event. But the mingling among all present was a timely reminder of how the SEA Games are as much about friendship as they are about competition.

Golden Touch

This year, there is also the opportunity to receive the golden touch of the Laotian culture. The warmth and hospitality of the people here have already earned them much praise from visitors, including Jessie Phua, Team Singapore’s Chef-de-Mission, who had the honour of initiating the raising of the Singapore flag together with the Mayor of the Games Village. She spoke with much praise of the Laotians' efforts to do their best with all sincerity - and with a smile too.

Days Ahead

As the different countries' flags rose one by one, the athletes could not be blamed for thinking of the many battles ahead in the pool or on the field. But, going by the mood at the flag raising ceremony, one can be sure that many new friendships will be forged too in the days ahead.