OCA Press Release: OCA celebrates wide range of medal-winners at ABG5

Olympic Council of Asia - Press Release

Comments of Mr Wei Jizhong,

Hon. Life Vice President, OCA

Just three days after the opening ceremony of the Olympic Council of Asia’s 5th Asian Beach Games, the OCA is pleased to note that 33 National Olympic Committees have already won a medal. Of these, 21 have claimed at least one gold medal.

One of the OCA’s aims is to encourage Sport For All, and to embrace all sports from the five zones of the continent.

By doing so, the OCA gives athletes from a wide variety of sports and from all regions the chance to represent their flag in an international multi-sport games and to experience and promote the values of Olympism.

Medals won here in Danang will be celebrated back home, and the successful athletes will be lauded on their return by the sports authorities and the public. Furthermore, they will be held up as role models for aspiring young athletes in their own country or region.

For some of the smaller NOCs, a bronze medal will be valued as much as a gold medal for the bigger countries and will be greeted with equal enthusiasm both here in Danang and at home.

A wide range of medal-winners and a colourful variety of flags at the victory ceremonies can only be positive for the development of sport as a whole throughout the region.

By offering these beach sports athletes the chance to excel on the international stage, the OCA is sending a clear message that the Olympic movement in Asia is inclusive and is ready to support and encourage all our athletes and help them achieve their dreams.

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