This year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Phnom Penh on 05-17 May was made possible with the help of around 6,000 volunteers. In November of 2022, the Cambodian SEA Games Committee (CAMSOC) requested in its online portal for young people from all over Asia to sign up as volunteers for the 32nd SEA games. Six month later, around 6,000 volunteers showed up to donate collectively their time and energy towards a shared mission: to organise a successful SEA Games!
The Kingdom of Cambodia's Minister of Tourism and Vice-President of CAMSOC, Thong Khon said during the closing ceremony of 32nd SEA Games that "We acknowledge and recognise the contribution of each and every 6,000 volunteers that played a very important role for the success of this regional sporting event."
Along with the athletes, sports officials and media representatives, CAMSOC provided free room and board and transportation to the volunteers. Aside from the amenities, the volunteers we spoke to were grateful for friendships they've made and the unforgettable experiences of hosting Cambodia's first-ever SEA Games.
As volunteer Kham said, "It's a once in a lifetime experience. You can't really explain in words, you have to experience it to know what it's like to be a volunteer." She loved every bit of her volunteer experience and echoed the sentiment of many Cambodians who were eager to showcase their country on the international stage. She left me with a heartfelt message, "I want the world to know that Cambodia is a lovely country and I think through the SEA Games the world can live together as a family because all nations need peace. The theme of 32nd SEA Games demonstrated 'Sports Live in Peace'. All hearts beat as one for world peace."
The volunteers kept smiling despite the demanding duty. They tried to communicate with the athletes, sport officials and media of other countries to understand each other. They also attended to the guests and excited supporters need and showing direction to the various sports complexes where competitions were held.
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