Asian Paralympic Committee conclude successful coordination commission visit ahead of 2018 Asian Para Games

A delegation from the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) have concluded a successful three-day visit to Jakarta to review progress being made on the 2018 Asian Para Games which will take place in October next year.

The delegation was made up of Mr Manabu Aso (Chair of APC Games Liaison Committee), Tarek Souei (APC CEO), Claire Magras (APC Relations & Services Senior Manager), Shaun Lee (APC Sport Manager) and Ryan Montgomery (IPC Summer Sport Director). They were welcomed by Dr Gatot S. Dewa Broto, the Secretary for the Minister for Youth & Sports who emphasized how pleased Indonesia is to be hosting the next edition of the Asian Para Games and how they will work hard to ensure that the Games are a great success.

There then followed a series of meetings with Dr. Bayu (Assistant Deputy for Traditional and Special Services Sports Development) and his team, including Prof. Dr. Faisal Abdullah (APC Executive Board member representing the Asian Para Games), and supported by NPC Indonesia. Various aspects of games readiness were discussed including planning for test events, the Chef de Mission seminar and Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The delegation was also honoured to have a meeting with His Excellency Imam Nahrawi, the Minister of Youth and Sports. They highlighted the importance of the Games both for the country and region, thanked him for his help thus far and asked for his continued support to ensure that Games preparation is on track.

The Minister confirmed the key appointment of Chair of the Local Organising Committee. Dr. Oktohari, President of the Indonesian Cycling Federation, has taken up the post. The delegation also met with him and discussed the key next steps in ensuring Games readiness,

Venue visits included the Utama stadium, the Aquatics Center, the Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis and Para Badminton venues which are situated in the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, an existing facility that is being refurbished and made accessible. These venues will also be used for the 2018 Asian Games which will take place shortly before the Asian Para Games, echoing the pattern established by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Summarising the visit, Tarek Souei said; "It has been a great few days and we are pleased to see the progress that is being made both in terms of the venues but also importantly the structure and planning of the Organising Committee. Staging these Games is really important for the development of para-sport in Asia as there are few sport specific regional opportunities for athletes in our region. Whilst there is much still to do over the next 19 months, we have been impressed by the passion and determination of everyone that we have met to make these Games a success, and we are looking forward to working closely with the LOC team on the operations."

The next meeting is scheduled for early May when more detailed examination of the Master Schedule will take place.

-ENDS-

About APC:

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) is based in the United Arab Emirates and aims to set itself as the Paralympic Power of Asia. With a vision to make Asia one of the leading regions of the Paralympic movement in enabling athletes with a disability to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world. the APC forms an integral part of society through the Paralympic movement. The APC promotes sports for all persons with disabilities within Asia from grassroots to elite level, without discrimination for political, religious, economic, disability, gender or racial reasons. In addition, the APC aims to promote the Paralympic values in Asia, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

For further information, please contact APC Media and Communication department through e-mail: media@asianparalympic.org or call +447737701098. Alternatively, please visit www.asianparalympic.org.

Asian Paralympic Committee

Media Manager

+44 7737 701098

Skype: janejones119

Twitter: @asianparalympic

Facebook: @AsianPCofficial

www.asianparalympic.org

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