(VOVWORLD) - In 2003 Southeast Asian Games organizers, ASEAN countries, and the WHO signed an official document to eliminate all forms of tobacco at sports events to ensure a tobacco-free SEA Games. During SEA Games 31 the host country Vietnam will abide by that agreement.
 The Saola mascot of SEA Games 31 |
SEA Games 31 will take place in Vietnam from May 12 to May 23, 2022, featuring 40 sports with the participation of about 10,000 athletes from Southeast Asian countries. The slogan of SEA Games 31 is "For a stronger Southeast Asia!"
For a tobacco-free SEA Games and Para Games, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reviewed the situation of previous SEA Games, drew lessons and practices to organize no-smoking communication activities and implementation during SEA Games 31 and Para Games 11.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has worked with the HealthBridge Foundation of Canada to train volunteers for SEA Games 31 to perform their tasks while conveying recommendations for a smoke-free Games.
The Organizing Committee for SEA Games 31 has enhanced communications to encourage people to abide by the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms.SEA Games and Para Games are major regional sports events, so communications will convey the message of tobacco-free sports to many countries. Vietnam expects that tobacco prevention and control will be widely spread and responded to not only by people in Vietnam but also people in other countries.