Dato Zainal Abu Zarin, the President of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) in Solo, Central Java on Tuesday (15/3), while signing the ASEAN Para Games (APG) 2011 memorandum of understanding, stated that East Timor is invited to participate for getting used to a variety of friendship activities among nations. This time it will be the first time that the country participates.
It is estimated there will be about 2,000 athletes who will compete in this disabled athletes games event. If added with the officials, the estimated number is 3,000 persons. Indonesia, according to the plan, will send 200 athletes.
There are several types of disabilities in APG 2011: people with cerebral palsy (brain dysfunction), blind, deaf, wheelchair users, and body disability (amputee). They will compete in 10 sports with about 400 events. Dato 'Zainal said that APG is also as a forum for preparing athletes to the Paralympic International.
From Swimming to Chess
The President of Indonesia Paralympic Organization Committee (Inaspoc) James Tangkudung mentioned that the 10 sports which will be held are: the weightlifting, athletics, archery, table tennis, badminton, wheelchair tennis, chess, sitting volleyball, swimming, and the ball goal. Organizing Committee is still discussing whether there is will be more sports excluding the 10 sports.
James said that APG is the expected event for of persons with disabilities since in that event the disables can proof that they can also perform. "This is a form of equality," he said.
The Major of Solo Joko Widodo, who is familiarly called Jokowi, shared that the needed venues for APG has been 80% ready. Some are still on progress, but according to Jokowi, it will be completed in short time.
Jokowi also said that the APG athletes will be carnivaled around the city of Solo. "The Carnival is to introduce to the public that there is sport event for people with disabilities." He said. (UTI)
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