Overseas Khmer athletes’ participation in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games hosted by Cambodia is a great source of pride and symbol of unity for the Kingdom and its majority ethnic group, according to Khmer Swimming Federation (KSF) president Sun Chanthol on May 4.
Chanthol, who is also Minister of Public Works and Transport, was addressing 49 athletes a day ahead of the official opening ceremony of the SEA Games.
“We must be united to provide spiritual support for our national athletes at the SEA Games and have our national flag fly high with pride on the international stage,” he said, praising swimmers and coaches for their hard work and preparation.
“This symbolises the unity of Khmer flesh and blood, of the Khmer heart, which always return to support the nation, no matter where they may reside,” he added. The Khmer are said to account for roughly 90 per cent of the Cambodian population.
Chanthol also handed over $200 for each swimmer and coach, which comes in addition to the $500 allocated by Prime Minister Hun Sen. Gold medallists are to be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well.
As of May 4, Cambodia topped the list of medal winners at nine – five golds and four silvers. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 5, six days after the first events began on April 29.
