21 November 2012
Australia-Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge Fun Run
On 18 November, over 4,000 people participated in a Fun Run over the first Friendship Bridge linking Laos and Thailand. The Fun Run was held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Lao PDR, and between Australia and Thailand.
The first Friendship Bridge, which was built and funded by Australia, first opened in 1994. Since then usage of the Bridge has increased significantly, and it has become a potent symbol of the friendship and linkages that have flourished between the three countries over the past sixty years.
According to the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Lynda Worthaisong, the Fun Run was an ideal opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of friendship, fun and healthy exercise.
Following the run, participants were entertained by a line-up of well-known Lao, Thai and Australian performers. Among them was the famed indigenous Australian musician, David Williams, who played his didgeridoo.
The Fun Run was organised by the Australian Embassies in Laos and Thailand in conjunction with the Vientiane Municipality, Lao Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education and Sports, the Nong Khai Provincial Office and the Nong Khai Running Club. The Mayor of Vientiane, HE Mr Soukanh Mahalath, and the Governor of Nong Khai, Mr Wirat Limsuwat, were guests of the honour at the event.
The Fun Run was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:
Gold sponsors: Akara Mining Limited (Kingsgate); Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ); Australia-Thailand Institute; Banpu Public Company Ltd; BlueScope Steel (Thailand) Ltd; Phu Bia Mining Limited.
Silver sponsors: PTT Exploration and Production PCL and Tieng Chirathivat Foundation.
Bronze sponsors: Beer Lao and Mitr Phol Sugar Corp. Ltd.
Media Enquiries:
Xouchai Panyanouvong
Australian Embassy
Ph: (21) 353800 Ext.147