"The flame that has been alight for 12 days will be extinguished but the fire in our hearts will never go out and that will remind us of our friendship as Southeast Asian community," he said at Jakabaring Sports Complex.
Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono officially closed the 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) here on Tuesday evening saying the true winner of the games was the peoples of Southeast Asia.

He said the 12 day-long event had shown to the world that true friendship had been built among the participating countries.

"The flame that has been alight for 12 days will be extinguished but the fire in our hearts will never go out and that will remind us of our friendship as Southeast Asian community," he said at Jakabaring Sports Complex.

Boediono at the closing ceremony themed "Victory in Harmony" was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Herawati, South Sumatra governor Alex Noerdin, sports minister Andi Mallarangeng and the general chairperson of the Indonesia National Sports Committee (KONI), Rita Subowo.

The vice president said all athletes, coaches and members of the contingents had all given their best in the matches that had gone fairly and honestly.

"I would like to express my appreciation to KONI, the Indonesia Olympic Committee (KOI), Inasoc (Indonesia SEA Games organizing committee) and all volunteers that have worked maximally to assure that all matches went smoothly. Thank you also to all sponsors and donors that have voluntarily worked hard," he said.

On the occasion he also expressed special appreciation to the Indonesian contingent that had emerged as the overall champion of the games for the first time since 1997.

"To the Indonesian contingent congratulation for being able to become the overall champion. The Indonesian people are proud of your achievement. Thank you also to the people of South Sumatra and Jakarta that have given their best as hosts," he said drawing an applause from thousands of people attending the ceremony.

He also specially expressed condolences to the families of two football spectators who died after being trampled while trying to enter the stadium in Jakarta to see the final round between Indonesia and Malaysia.

"On behalf of the government and myself I expressed my deepest condolences," he said.

More than 6,000 athletes from 11 countries took part in the games. Indonesia emerged as the overall champion after winning 182 gold medals, 151 silver and 143 bronze medals. Thailand was ranked second with 109 gold, 100 silver and 120 bronze medals.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011