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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015 SPORTS SEA Games showcase region’s rapid growth SINGAPORE: The 28th Southeast Asian British colonial outpost, the Lion City has town hotels. In a country where income tors in almost all of the disciplines, par- appearances but is going for an Games (SEA Games) begins in Singapore been transformed into a global financial tax is low and crime rare, there are few ticularly badminton, SEA countries gen- unprecedented nine in his home city next week, an event that promises to powerhouse and home to many of the concerns about crowd disturbances, erally excel in non-Olympic and combat this time. showcase the region’s spectacular eco- world’s mega-rich. although police said there would be a sports. Thailand is the most successful For Singapore’s new head swimming nomic growth as much as the athletes Singapore asked to host the SEA big security presence. nation, winning a combined total of coach, former Spanish Olympian Sergio and their competitions. Games this year as part of its 50th For spectators, most events will be 1,994 gold medals over the 27 complet- Lopez, Schooling’s profile and ambitions Like all regional multi-sports events, anniversary of independence from free to watch while tickets for high-pro- ed editions of the Games. sum up the significance of the event, the SEA Games struggles for mainstream Malaysia, a year-long celebration which file sports such as swimming sold out Most of the competing countries which officially runs from June 5-16, but recognition outside its own borders, but has taken on added poignancy following quickly.
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