UCSA Press Release

LOWELL, Mass. — It’s a year of firsts as the Southeast Asian Games officially commence on

Friday, May 5.

For the first time, four athletes from the United States — including one with Lowell roots — will

be competing alongside local athletes as part of Cambodia’s Women’s Beach Volleyball team.

That honor goes to Marinteh Huffaker of Denver, Colorado; Nancy Pin of Lowell,

Massachusetts; Brittany Soun of Lafayette, California; and Sabrina Touch of Denver, Colorado.

Competing is a great privilege and opportunity to represent her mother, Pin said. Her mother

survived the Khmer Rogue genocide and came to the U.S. knowing no English and having no

family because she wanted to ensure a better future for her children. Her mother preserved and

has been a cheerleader through her volleyball career.

“It was because of her determination that I am able to be here today and advance my game to this

level. I feel that many on the Cambodian volleyball national team can share a similar experience,

and being able to come together with other descendants of ancestors that have worked their

fingers to the bone to bring us all together evokes a unique sense of solidarity. I hope that we are

able to build a foundation that serves to inspire Cambodian girls and women to participate more

in sports,” Pin said.

For Lowell Mayor Sokhary Chau, who also serves as chair of the USA-Cambodia Sports

Association, it is an honor to represent Cambodia in sports.

“Through sports we can build strong and positive youths, not only the athletes but all young

adults. The Cambodian American athletes will provide a role model for the local athletes and

youths in Cambodia,” Chau said. “A few years ago, the USA-Cambodia Sports Association

recruited Cambodian American Men’s basketball players, we then established the first Women’s

basketball team to bring overseas, and this year we’re proud to bring the Women’s beach

volleyball team.”

Chau added the competition is also an opportunity to engage in sports diplomacy.

“I am proud to uplift our culture in America and abroad by sending our players to represent

Cambodia in the SEA games. It's an unprecedented opportunity for these athletes to be selected

to represent their immigrant parent's homeland,” Chau added.

As the four Cambodian American athletes make history, so will Cambodia. While the country

was awarded the games in 1963, they were ultimately canceled due to the country’s political

situation.

For further information on the SEA Games, including scheduling, visit Cambodia2023.com.