Current Affairs

All systems go for Guangzhou Asian Para Games 2010
01-3-2010

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s all systems go as host city Guangzhou gears itself up for the inaugural Asian Para Games, slated from Dec 12 to 19 December 2010.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) expressed satisfaction over the preparation for the Games, following a thorough Project Review conducted in January this year.

The APC delegation, led by APC Secretary General Ms Malini, conducted reviews and inspection covering vital aspects of the Games -- venue planning, transportation and IT solutions.

“It was a meaningful and successful visit as we managed to iron out and along the way, anticipate problems concerning vital aspects of the organisation of the Games,” said Ms Malini, head of the inspection team.

IPC Head of Paralympic Games Strategic Projects Apostolos Rigas was also attendance, as well as a group of experts from APC on accessibility, sport and IT.

IPC’s endorsement was proof of Guangzhou’s (the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organising Committee) capabilities in hosting such a huge event.

The Asian Para Games is significant in the eyes of the Asian paralympic community as it will set a new benchmark . “During the three-day roundtable meetings, site visits and inspections, we reviewed plans on the competition venues, athletes' village and other sites of interest. This also include briefing on transportation plans and inspection of vehicles, results, timing and scoring.

Meanwhile, IPC’s Mr. Rigas said: “We were able to have good understanding of current planning and provide valuable advice. There is genuine commitment from the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (GAPGOC) and Guangzhou authorities to address the few issues identified. I truly believe that the 1st Asian Para Games will be a benchmark event, fostering the development of Paralympic Sport in the whole region”.

Prior to the inspection, GAPGOC had launched the 100 days Countdown of the Asian Para Games on December 19, 2009, in the presence of various dignitaries including Asian Paralympic Committee President Dato Zainal Abu Zarin.

Some 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are expected to attend the Games, along with 2,000 team officials and approximately 1,100 technical officials. More than 2,000 journalists will cover the Games and 30,000 volunteers will be recruited. In addition, more than 300 VIPs from the Paralympic Family will be invited.

For more information, click www.gzapg2010.cn/en/

About The 2010 Para Games of Asia

The 2010 Para Games of Asia is approved and governed by the Asian Paralympic Committee and will be held in “Flower City” of Guangzhou from December 12-19, 2010. More than 4,000 athletes, coaches and trainers from 40 countries will compete in 19 sports.

The Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games is the first edition of the Asian Para Games, which developed from the FESPIC Games (the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled) and will become a new starting point for the multi-disability sporting events in Asia.

"With 'We Cheer, We Share, We Win' as the Official Slogan of the 2010 Asian Para Games, GAPGOC aim at disseminating Paralympic values and humanistic values among communities which would admire equality, participation and sharing in the ultimate, by holding the 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou.

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