PHNOM PENH: Senior Minister Ly Thuch received the "Model Leadership in Mine Action" award from the Spirit of Soccer (SOS) on December 12.

As first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Ly Thuch said the award is not just for him and the Mines Authority, but for the joint efforts of the government, donors, development partners, operators, philanthropists, all stakeholders and Cambodians who have provided unconditional support to mine action in Cambodia in overcoming the challenges posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war.

"This award is the result of the win-win policy of Samdech Hun Sen, which brought peace and stability to the country as a foundation for mine action and development. Moreover, it stems from the strong commitment of Prime Minister Hun Manet for his vision to continue to protect the peace and stability of the country and lead Cambodia towards a landmine-free Cambodia," he said.

He also thanked SOS, which has been involved in Cambodia since 2006 with the goal of helping communities through sport and mine awareness programs for Cambodian children to prevent injuries and deaths and improve the lives of people and communities to increase social and economic activities.

Since 1996, SOS has been providing life-saving education to children and communities in more than ten war-torn or post-war countries around the world. It has directly educated more than 1 million children and trained more than 2,000 football coaches. The program has trained167 international football coaches within Cambodia and reached more than 500,000 children in affected communities.