To understand what the SEA Games are, please follow the article below for answers.
Definition of SEA Games
SEA Games (also known as the Southeast Asian Games) is a sporting event held every two years, positioned between the Olympic Games and the Asian Games. The first SEA Games took place in 1959, originally called SEAP Seagame.
The “SEA” in SEA Games does not refer to the sea but is an acronym for “South East Asian.” The sports held during the Southeast Asian Games are governed by the Southeast Asian Sports Federation, under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia.
The SEA Games provide a platform for athletes from 11 countries in the Southeast Asian region. In addition to competing in sports, the SEA Games also create opportunities for cultural exchange and strengthen the spirit of solidarity among countries in Southeast Asia.
Saola – The mascot of the 31st SEA Games held in Vietnam.
Significance of SEA Games
The Southeast Asian Games is a major sporting event in the region that brings significant meaning to member countries. Thanks to the SEA Games, the economic and social development of Southeast Asian countries has improved, thereby narrowing the gap between wealthy and less affluent nations in the region through competitive exchanges.
SEA Games also contribute to fostering feelings of unity among Southeast Asian countries, enhancing diplomatic relations among member nations, making them more open and amicable.
Additionally, competing together in a healthy, large-scale environment allows athletes to exchange experiences, learn, and integrate more into a multicultural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about SEA Games
When and where are the SEA Games held?
According to the regulations of the Southeast Asian Sports Federation, this sporting event is held approximately every two years in odd-numbered years. Furthermore, detailed regulations regarding the competition schedule or any changes must be approved by the supervisory bodies of the Olympic Council of Asia or the International Olympic Committee.
Each SEA Games will have one host country responsible for organizing the event. The order of host countries is determined alphabetically in English. If a country cannot host when it is their turn, they must notify the organizing committee at least one year in advance to make arrangements.
How many sports are included in the SEA Games?
According to the Southeast Asian Sports Federation, the host country of the SEA Games must select a minimum of 22 sports. The specific structure is as follows:
- 2 mandatory sports from Group 1, such as athletics and aquatic sports.
- At least 14 sports from Group 2, which are mandatory at the Olympics and the Asian Games.
- A maximum of 8 sports from Group 3, including: stick fighting, baseball, bodybuilding, chess, bridge, ballroom dancing, underwater swimming, floorball, handball, and Kenpo. Additionally, there are 5 modern pentathlon sports such as paragliding, skating sports, rowing, rugby, sport climbing, shuttlecock, softball, soft tennis, traditional boat racing, and Vovinam.
No single sport can account for more than 5% of the total medals. For each sport and event, at least 4 countries must participate. Furthermore, sports included in the Olympics and the Asian Games are prioritized.
How many flags are displayed at the SEA Games venues?
In addition to the 11 flags representing the 11 member countries, there will be an additional flag at the SEA Games venues, which is the federation’s flag. This flag is light blue, symbolizing the color of water or the sky surrounding Southeast Asian countries. In the center of the flag are 11 golden rings representing the 11 member nations. These rings are interlinked to express the spirit of solidarity, peace, and friendship.
