A number of APC Board Members came to the Emirates to support the Asian delegations at the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 – 16th Fazza International Open Championship.
The event marks the start of a calendar full of important events on the continent, as the Para Athletics championships will continue in New Delhi in March this year, providing is a great opportunity for athletes to continue preparing for the next Asian Para Games in 2026.
Mr. Abdulraheem Alsheikh, Vice President of the APC, was present at the start of the competition, and expressed his excitement at the participation of athletes from his home country, Saudi Arabia, in one of the largest Para Athletics competitions.
He spoke about the upcoming APC General Assembly that will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan in August: “I wish all the best for our committee, we are doing everything possible to make significant improvements, to demonstrate support for our athletes in their competitions. I hope that everything will develop better and better in the Paralympic movement and our committee.”
In addition, he commented on the next Asian Para Games that will take place in Japan next year; “We are looking forward to the next Asian Para Games which will be held in Nagoya in 2026. I believe it will be a strong competition for our athletes, and I ensure success for everyone.”
To conclude, he expressed his good wishes for the athletes and the committee: “Our calendar is full for the following years. After Nagoya, we’ll see each other in LA 2028.”
Dr. Mu Ming-Chu, President of NPC Chinese Taipei and Chairperson Women in Sports Committee of APC, was also present at the start of the Para Athletics Grand Prix. Speaking after the opening, she said;
“This competition is the consequence of success. A good start to the 2025 season that awaits our athletes, because we definitely have a very full calendar in the coming years.”
She also expressed her thoughts on upcoming events: “The General Assembly will be in August this year, in Kazakhstan, we are hoping for success in this event. Chinese Taipei hosted last year’s Executive Board meeting in October, which was a great success.”
She also expressed her excitement for the upcoming Asian Para Games to be held in Japan: “We are a small team, but we are recruiting young athletes in the region who will be coming to represent our delegation. We are motivating them to participate in more international competitions, have a lot more training and get the experiences in Para sport. It will be an excellent opportunity for them to participate in Aichi-Nagoya 2026.”
Finally, she showed her joy at being part of the Paralympic movement in the region: “We are happy to be part of the APC, and we consider ourselves a big family, warm and kind.”
“One of the most wonderful things about the world of Para sport is that we can learn from each other, that’s what it means to be an international family. Learning from differences, from what makes us special, with all the diversity that exists in sport, culture and other aspects”.
