2009/03/04
ASEAN PARA GAMES: Be the best overall, says Ismail Sabri
Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (right) shakes hand with powerlifter Cheok Kon Fatt at the pre-launch of the 5th Asean Para Games in Putrajaya yesterday. Pic: IZHARI ARIFFINMALAYSIA should be applauded for saving the fifth Asean Para Games after Laos withdrew as hosts but they, said Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, must also aim to become the overall champions of the event to be in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 15-19.
Malaysia stepped in after Laos, already burdened with the December's Sea Games, were undone by financial constraints to stage the paralympics involving 11 South East Asian countries.
Ismail Sabri also confirmed that the government had approved a budget of RM4 million to host the Games where 11 sports will be contested and the minister wanted the athletes try to become overall champions.
Malaysia, who organised the inaugural Games in 2001, were crowned overall champions that year but have only managed to finish second since.
"The government has allocated RM4 million to host the Asean Para Games but don't just be the best hosts but try to become the best contingent," said Ismail Sabri.
"This event is important as the government has also approved to have the centre of excellence for paralympic athletes in Kampung Pandan.
"This proves that we are not neglecting them, so they must justify the government's support by doing well in the Games."
The Games could have been bigger had it not been for several sports being scratched when the minimum of athletes, which is four, was not fulfilled.
"We are the only country to host the Games twice, and having become champions on the first attempt as hosts, we should be aiming for similar success."
Besides Malaysia, the other nations competing are Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Timor Leste.Malaysia are traditionally strong in athletics and swimming which helped them clinch the overall crown in 2001 when only these two sports were contested.
The hosts will again be banking on the two events as well as badminton and powerlifting this year. Table tennis, chess, bowling, sailing, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and volleyball are the other sports which will be contested.
1 comment:
hosting the game is good but do we have the tool to oraganise do we have proper transport to move them the last time indra kota buses were use ,with the seat of the buses removed and plywood wss used as rams is this the best we can do. as at is today we don't have proper transport to used by the disabled, how about for the games
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