Games attract crowds; organisation criticised

Since the fireworks and lavish light-and-sound show captured the attention of local and international audiences, there has also been much criticism over the organisation of the Games. 

Many of the events are being held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's administrative capital, which is notoriously difficult to get around and where public transport is scarce. Aung Soe, a teacher from Shan State, travelled all the way to Nay Pyi Taw to support the volleyball team, but found that the stadium was too far away. 

“Zeyar Thiri Stadium, where the volleyball competition is held, is too far away so I couldn’t go there. As I’m working as a teacher at orphanages, I have to go back home even though I still want to cheer for other sports competitions,” he said.

Thousands of fans have also flocked to Nay Pyi Taw only to be met with exorbitant hotel prices, lack of public transport and having to trek enormous distances to venues. 

“There were difficulties in coming to watch the competitions. These include waiting in line for the tickets, far location of the stadiums, lack of buses. However, it is true that this event is fun. I couldn’t come to watch everyday due to high expenses,” said Zaw Min Aung from Pyinmana in Mandalay Region.

Over 9,000 people participated in the opening ceremony at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium and the government spent billions for the firework display and hi-tech entertainment systems. However, many still could not afford to watch the event in person, settling to watch it on television. 

“I only got to watch the grand opening of the SEA Games on television. At first, I didn’t expect the government to hold such a spectacular ceremony. It was a pretty big ceremony and it seemed that the government has spent a lot of money for this. Whatever it is, we won’t lose our face among the international community,” a teacher from Yangon said.

The SEA Games are being hosted in Myanmar for the first time in over four decades and sporting events have been spread out between Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Ngwe Saung Beach. Transportation and the lack of public information around events, however, appears to have drawn much of the criticism. “The stadiums are located very far. I didn’t know whether there are buses or not. There aren’t any road signs. I have to walk from one place to another. It takes a long time between each bus. There aren’t enough restaurants and they are expensive,” said Zarni Soe from Mandalay Region.

But the problems didn't kill the joy and enthusiasm many felt for the opportunity to host the event and cheer their favourite athletes. 

“We haven’t been able to host a sports event like this for over 40 years. So, I want to cheer for our teams and athletes,” said Kyaw Kyaw from Kamayut Township in Yangon.