It’s a big year for Malaysia. Some of the upcoming highlights include our 60th Independence Day, and hosting both the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the 9th ASEAN Para Games. The two Games branded together are also known as Kuala Lumpur 2017 (KL2017).
According to the countdown timer on the official website, we are 50 days away from the 2017 SEA Games and to help you keep up-to-date, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the biennial games below.
1. When is it happening: 19 – 30 August 2017
*The ASEAN Para Games will be held from 17 – 23 September 2017
2. Fun fact: This is the sixth time that Malaysia is hosting the SEA Games.
3. Fun fact: Malaysia last became the overall champions with a total of 111 golds in 32 sports when the country hosted the Games in 2001.
4. The theme is “Rising Together”.
5. The logo is an image of a Wau Bulan.
6. The official mascot is a Malayan tiger named Rimau—a name that is an abbreviation of the Games’ core values which are Respect, Integrity, Move, Attitude and Unity.
7. There will be 405 events from 38 sports for the 2017 SEA Games, with five new categories to debut which are bridge, cricket, ice hockey, ice skating (which includes figure skating and short-track speed skating) and Tarung Derajat. It will mark the first time winter sports are contested in the history of the SEA Games. The full list of sports (and where the events will be held) is available here.
8. Around 8,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries are expected to participate in the 2017 SEA Games.
9. All the events will be held in Kuala Lumpur except for sailing (Langkawi) and equestrian (Terengganu).
10. The medals, torch and baton are designed by Royal Selangor. In light of this, the brand’s visitor centre is hosting a series of family-friendly activities to celebrate. You’ll also be able to view an installation of the KL2017 torch and medal there. More info here.
11. A Larian Sukan SEA 2017 for the public will be held on the same day as the 29th SEA Games Marathon. There are two categories: 15km and 5km. Both are open to all Malaysians and foreigners, and runners who complete the run will receive a special SEA Games Commemorative medal, among other goodies. Registration closes on 15 July 2017 (or when it has achieved 20,000 entries). More info here.
12. The Malaysia Organising Committee (MASOC) has announced their goal to make Kuala Lumpur 2017 “a truly Green Games”. You can read the full extent of the initiatives here.
13. Tickets for the 2017 SEA Games will go on sale after the Hari Raya celebrations. According to MASOC, tickets for selected sports, the official opening and closing ceremonies will be sold online.
UPDATE: Tickets to go on sale at 10am on 4 July 2017 with prices ranging between RM10 to RM20. For more info, visit the website.
14. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the newly-upgraded Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
15. Earlier this year, a representative from the National Sports Council (NSC) mentioned that they’re looking to put together more than 900 athletes for the Malaysian contingent. The final selection will happen in July. For the first time ever, there will be at least one Malaysian athlete in every SEA Games event.
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