The SEA Games 31's International Press Conference in Hà Nội on May 9. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Đức

Thanh Hà

HÀ NỘI — The SEA Games 31 will be a green sports events that encourages people to use eco-friendly and reusable products. 

The SEA Games Organising Committee made the official appeal at the second International Press Conference held in Hà Nội on May 9.

"Besides fair play and sportsmanship, many sports events in the world have highlighted environment protection," said Vũ Minh Lý, deputy director of the Centre for Communication of Natural Resources and Environment.

"Environment pollution in general and plastic waste pollution in particular have become urgent issues, as you all know. Through SEA Games, we want to organise activities to raise people's awareness of a green environment.

"During the Games, all people - athletes, coaches, supporters and visitors - can collect their plastic garbage and drop by our booths to exchange small gifts which are related to the SEA Games 31, such as bags, keyrings and others which are all reusable and eco-friendly," Lý said.

"We will provide SEA Games organisers and participants alternative products which are environmentally friendly and made from natural and biologically-sourced materials such as dust bags, knives, forks and spoons made of cornflour. These are only some of the products to be provided during the SEA Games."

Lý added that the programme will spread the idea of a green SEA Games through mass media, public transportation, and roadshows. Volunteers are also encouraged to join the strategy. Leaflets, guidebooks and handbooks will be delivered to people. 

The organisers also briefed on Việt Nam's plans to entertain not only SEA Games participants but also foreign tourists who come to the country for the SEA Games.

Hà Văn Siêu, deputy head of the Việt Nam Tourism Administration, said SEA Games 31 is a chance for Việt Nam's tourism to be boosted after the government officially reopened the borders to tourists in March.

"It is a huge event in the region and a valuable opportunity to let people know that Việt Nam is a safe, friendly and attractive destination to people in ASEAN and the world," Siêu said.

"Since Việt Nam decided to host the SEA Games, we have cooperated with the sports officials to make up plans for tourism. We have built up an exclusive website to serve tourists coming in SEA Games time. They can search for all information, not just about the Games, but also about Việt Nam.

"In 12 host localities, we set up booths that spread the news of tourism, gifts, exhibition, cuisine, music and dance information and more.

"We also introduced new tourism products, such as multi-choice of tours, so that visitors can enjoy their time in Việt Nam."

The Organising Committee answer question from the media about the organisational activities of the SEA Games 31. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Đức

On this occasion, Nguyễn Ngọc Quý, director of Quảng Bình Province's Department of Tourism, announced attractive prizes for SEA Games 31 participants.

"Prizes from Quảng Bình tourism are up for grab. They are for all athletes, coaches and reporters attending the Games," he said.

The prizes include tours to the central province for 50 international reporters, karate coaches, medal-winners and a special VNĐ140 million tour to visit Sơn Đồng Cave, the world's largest cave, for the SEA Games' most valuable athletes.

The new feature of the Việt Nam Games is through cooperation with Google, creating a search trend with keywords and sports for the Games.

A representative of Google said, that for the first time, Google has made a separate page for SEA Games 31 which is updated every four hours.

At the conference, delegates were given information about important events such as the opening and closing ceremonies, and answers to their questions about the organisation and preparation activities for the Games. Reporters and journalists will be strongly supported at the Games.