The Asian Paralympic Committee held their 18th Executive Board meeting on June 28 and 29 in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital which is gearing up to host the forthcoming Asian Para Games in October.
As many as 14 members, including representatives from South Asia, South East Asia, West Asia and East Asia, attended the meeting which also saw the presence of Asian Para Games Organising Committee Chair Raja Sapta Oktohari and Gatot Dewa Broto, Secretary of the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports, on the second day of the meeting.
The meeting heard updates on the new Strategic Plan (2019-2021), Standing Committees Reports and the General Assembly 2019, where elections for a new Executive Board will take place. Finally, they were briefed on the progress of the Asian Para Games by Oktohari.
On Day One of the meeting, the Board approved the inclusion of Road Race Para Cycling in the Jakarta Games, based on the INAPGOC proposal and the interest shown by several countries, which is 10 NPCs and more than 60 athletes, in the Road Race event.
Mr. Majid Rashed expressed his satisfaction on the progress of the preparations and hope that the Games will boost the Paralympic movement in the country. “The Games is definitely going to change the mindset of the people, create legacy and awareness not just in Indonesia but across Asia.
“We will help to create a sustainable friendly life for people with impairment. It’s important to have the right people with a positive attitude who are taking the responsibility to make the Games successful. I am sure the Games will create history for Indonesia.
“We hope that the inclusion of the Road Race cycling is going to be one of exciting competitions at the Jakarta Games,” Mr. Rashed added.
Oktohari said: “We have come this far with all your support. We still have much to do to ensure the delivery of a successful Games but since the last Board meeting in Dubai we had worked hard on three focus areas: Games, Para Games Village and Transportation. We have found ways now to overcome the issues and go forward.
“I want to thank Mr Majid, who has supported us in every way. With APC standing with us, we feel stronger.”
The board will meet next before the Asian Para Games in October.