"Laos Sou Sou... Laos Sou Sou" (Go Laos!) was the fervent chant at every game during the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos.

These words, shouted by Lao supporters at the National Stadium, echoed through the hills of such places as the Saythany District.

Vientiane residents turned out to give their enthusiastic support to their athletes when they were watching the games. And why not? After all, it was the first time Laos had ever hosted an international sporting competition.

People of all ages, from the very old to the very young, came to the stadium. Diamond, just four months old, was brought by his parents to the stadium. He sported a T-shirt and a headband with the Lao flag; a small sticker adorned his cheek.

Other children brought flags, trumpets and drums to cheer their athletes along.

The games, which kicked off last Wednesday and ended on Friday, were surely a memorable event for the Lao people.

- Text and photos by Arief Suhardiman