NOUL passes on University Games baton to Champassak

The 1^st Lao University Games hosted by National University of Laos (NOUL) came to a successful conclusion on Tuesday evening when the games’ flag was passed to Champassak University

Champassak University will have the opportunity to host the 2^nd Lao University Game in 2019. The well attended closing ceremony was a fitting climax to the sporting competition featuring musical performances, dancing and a handover of the games’ flag from NOUL to Champassak University officials.

The first university games ran from March 5-15 featuring football, badminton, table tennis, basketball, futsal, petanque, taekwondo, volleyball and beach volleyball, basketball, plus track and field events. The closing ceremony was attended by Acting Minister of Education and Sports Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, Deputy governor of Champassak Province Mr. Boualin Vongphachanh, Deputy Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Boualane Silipanya, NOUL President Professor Dr. Soukkongseng Saignaleuth and senior officials from the ministry.

NOUL finished on top of the medals with 35 gold, 26 silver and 46 bronze medals. Heath Sciences University was second with 16 gold, 14 silver and 9 bronze medals with Police Academy in the third place with 14 gold, 11 silvers and 15 bronze medals

Dr. Soukkongseng praised the athletes for the friendly atmosphere of the games and respect of the competition rules. Dr. Soukkongseng also thanked the Laos University Sports Federation, Competition organizing committee and the universities for making the 1^st University Game success. “ We are now able select the best athletes from the games to be representatives of NOUL at the Asian University Games in Singapore in June and the World University Games in the future ” he added

Meanwhile, Champassak Province officials said they were eager to host the nextgame. “ We are honored to invite the leaders and athletic teams from many universities and colleges to attend in the 2^nd university games in our province in 2019 ” Mr, Boualin Said.

He believed the 2^nd games would be an opportunity to build good relationships and solidarity amongst teachers and students from many universities and hoped it would be well supported.

The 1^st university games featured 1.455 students and trainers (1,091 males and 364 females) from LungPhrabang, Sasvannakhet and Chanpassak provincial universities, along with the Army Academy and Police Acedemy, Health Sciences University, government institution, private colleges and host NUOL.

After Champassak University host the 2^nd Lao University Games in 2019 the 3^rd game are scheduled to be hosted by Souphanovong University of LungPrabang province in 2022 and the 4^th games will be host by Savannakhet University in 2025.

NUOL was established on November 5, 1996 and Currently has 1,965 officials and teachers from 12 faculties and 25,054 students. Champassak University was established in 2002.