STORY: Cambodia opens National Games with dazzling ceremony directed by Chinese expert
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 30, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 31, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:04
LOCATION: Phnom Penh
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): SIN NOU VISAKHA, Spectator
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHEN WEIDAN, Chinese director of the opening ceremony
3. various of the opening ceremony

STORYLINE:

Magnificent lights, lasers, and fireworks filled the night sky over the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh as Cambodia opened its fourth National Games on Wednesday with a spectacular ceremony directed by a Chinese expert.

The two-hour dazzling show of light and sound, together with vibrant performances by reputable artists, was presented before Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and a crowd of about 30,000 spectators.

Despite continued rain throughout the evening, the opening ceremony of the biennial games proceeded smoothly and as planned.

The ceremony featured uniquely spectacular traditional performances, songs, martial arts demonstrations, a parade of athletes, athlete's and referee's oaths, speeches, a torch lighting ceremony, and a stunning display of colorful fireworks.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): SIN NOU VISAKHA, Spectator
"It is a splendid opening ceremony. Under the shade of peace, this is another great achievement we have made. Sports bring peace, and peace brings happiness to people. This is a great honor for Cambodia. China is our great friend, who has always stayed with us, always sending top-rated experts to help us construct and renovate stadiums and organize major sports events."
  
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHEN WEIDAN, Chinese director of the opening ceremony
"I am elated to be invited by the leaders of the Ministry of Sports of the Kingdom of Cambodia to come to Cambodia and Phnom Penh. This is my second time in Cambodia after attending the Southeast Asian Games to guide the work as an artistic director. This time, we designed the ceremony process, the flame lighting, and the stage design for the entire Games."

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron said that more than 2,500 athletes, coaches, arbitrators, and sports officials are taking part in the Games, which run from October 29 to November 8 and feature 36 sports and 238 events.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Phnom Penh.
(XHTV)