YANGON (6 Dec 2013) – In spite of all the hullabaloo surrounding the 27th edition of the SEA Games over the inclusion or the exclusion of certain sports, hosts Myanmar have certainly showed that as far as hospitality is concerned, they are perhaps among the best in the region.
Upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport, there were at least six help desks to assists athletes and officials through the immigration process where the issued accreditation cards allowed holders the luxury of not paying the USD 50 visa fee.
But while there were countless officials and volunteers to assist those already holding passes, they were also kind enough to help those who have yet to be issued theirs. There was no hassle where one just needs to produce a copy of the form which has been filled up and you just breezed through with a polite ‘mingalaba’ and welcome to Myanmar to boot.
For this is the thought process which has been instilled on the legions and battalions of volunteers you can see running and milling around the airport in their easy to spot blue shirts.
Those who want to proceed to other parts of the country to sporting venues in Naypyitaw, Mandalay or Ngwe Saung will be ushered to the Transportation Office, located just next to arrival hall.
From here, buses, cars and the likes will be arranged at regular intervals to make sure that participants get to their destination.
There is a festive atmosphere here in Yangon especially at the Youth Training Centre which is the venue of Group B of men’s football. The whole area which is also being used for other sports like wrestling and kempo have been filled with flags, billboards and balloons.
There are also plans to have a SEA Games park with big screen TVs to cater to the thousands of visitors expected throughout the next two weeks.
