Efforts to organise SEA Games 31 safely and carefully

There are two months left until the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) taking place in Vietnam. Amidst the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful organisation of the games and assurance of health for the delegations’ members and service forces for the host, is imperative.

SEA Games 31 will be held in Hanoi and 11 neighbouring provinces and cities, featuring 36 sports and nearly 500 events. The event will draw the participation of 25,000 participants, including around 10,000 athletes. The funding for SEA Games 31 is allocated from the central and local budgets, with a total estimate of more than 1 trillion VND. The Government has agreed to approve the first disbursement of over 300 billion VND for the organisation, upgrading and repairing projects related to the games.

Up to now, the items in service of the SEA Games 31 have been repaired, upgraded and completed, according to the committed schedule of the contractors. However, many obstacles and difficulties may affect the goal, that all preparations in terms of the technical infrastructure for SEA Games 31, will be completed and put into trial operations. One of the main reasons is the complicated situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facing the above difficulties, the Games’ organising board has been urgently carrying out bidding packages of upgrading, repairing and purchasing equipment for information and technology items.

With limited expenditures and funding, the relevant agencies should promote their initiative, creativity, flexibility and saving, in developing plans in terms of security, transportation, logistics, reception, communications and medical works, in accordance with the epidemic situation in each locality.

In addition, the selection of volunteers serving the Games should be conducted carefully. Accordingly, it is essential to mobilise the support from cadres and employees in relevant agencies and sectors, including local retirees.

Emergency and testing services, including isolation and treatment facilities, need to be arranged scientifically and safely. Experiences from recent major international and domestic sporting events, proved that, in addition to the strict compliance of “bubble” form, the organisation’s work should be flexible in line with the practical state.

According to the latest regulations of the organising board, only infections will be isolated and treated, sports delegations and international reporters won’t need to quarantine. The online medical services will be carried out during the Games. The relevant agencies should proactively grasp and update the development of the pandemic in the countries with participating delegations.

With a very large number of members attending SEA Games 31, the host will arrange for them to stay in hotels, in a closed form. Therefore, the management and coordination among the agencies becomes more and more important. The contingency plans are always ready for a smooth organisation.