Palembang (UR):
The South Sumatra administration held a farewell party for all athletes and officials at the 26th SEA Games at theathlete’svillage in Jakabaring, Palembang, on Monday.
Hundreds of athletes and officials were present during the party, with the men dressed in batik.
Organizers tried to foster asense of kinship and intimacy with the colors of all Southeast Asianflags blending into the décor as the attendees began to dance. The athletes looked cheerfuland showed no sign of fatigue from the competition. The party was called the glory of Sriwijaya.
South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin thanked the athletes and officials who took part in the Games from November 11 to 22. “The province is very proud to be able to host you all,” Alex said.
He apologized for any shortcomings in the running of the Games and invited the athletes back to Palembang.
“We are ready to host you. South Sumatra is eyeing to be the host of the Asian Games. So see you again at the Asian Games,” he said.
Thai beach volleyball player Kulna said she was happy to visit Palembang. “I only knew about Jakarta, but now I am inPalembang too. The people are friendly. I will come again to Palembang,” Kulna said.
The province played hosttothe opening and closing ceremoniesof the Games. It also held 20 sporting events with around 3,000 athletes competing in and around Palembang. Apart from Palembang, Jakarta and some cities in West Java also hosted Games events.
The head of the athletes’village,Augie Bunyaminsaid , the farewell party was aimed at increasing unity among all the contingents from the 11 participating countries.
“The idea was to bid farewell to the athletes in an intimate atmosphere on the last night before theSEA Gamesend,” Augiesaid.