The ceremony began with a spectacular fireworks display, followed by a splendid performance of lights, colours and traditional dances given by 8,000 students and volunteers.
Swimmer Hoang Quy Phuoc, holding the national flag, headed the Vietnam sports contingent in a parade of athletes from the 11 participating countries.
Following the march of the national sports delegations, Myanmar Vice President U Nyan Tun declared the Games open, announcing the return of the region’s most prestigious sports festival to Myanmar. The country last hosted the competition in 1969.
Legendary Burmese archer Maung Wai Lin Tunlight was given the honour of lighting the Games’ cauldron by shooting an arrow into it, an amazing act that made great impression on regional friends.
The 27th SEA Games has brought together more than 5,000 athletes from 11 member countries to fight it out for medals in 33 sports and 460 specific disciplines.
Vietnam has sent 519 athletes to Myanmar to compete in 29 of the 33 sports, with the objective of winning at least 70 gold medals and making the top three on the overall podium.
