At a ceremony in Jakarta on Monday 29th February, the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) signed the Host City Contract with the Organising Committee for the Indonesia Asian Para Games (INAPGOC) which will take place from 8th -16th October 2018.
The 2018 Games will be the third time that the Asian Para Games have taken place and 4000 athletes from 42 countries are expected to take part. This makes them the largest multi-sport competition for disabled athletes outside the Paralympic Games. Athletes will compete in thirteen Paralympic sports and four non-Paralympic sports and, for a number of sports, the Games will act as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. The Games will take place in the same venues as the 2018 Asian Games.
Representing the APC at this important milestone were President Mr. Majid Rashed, Vice President, Mr. Mizuno Masayuki and Board members Mr. Michael Barredo (South-East Asia representative), M. Aso Manabu (Games Liaison Committee Chairperson) and APC CEO Mr. Tarek Souei. They met with Dr Alfitra Salamm, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sport who was representing the Minister, Prof. Dr. Faisal Abdulla and several senior officials from various government departments including the Ministries of Education, Health and Social Affairs.
After the signing ceremony the APC and INAPGOC attended a press conference with local media who asked many questions about the roles and responsibilities of each party, the details of the host contract and also about the legacy that the Games will leave for the host country and the whole region.
Speaking after the signing, APC President Mr Majid Rashed commented:
‘At our Gathering in last year, our membership identified that establishing the Asia Para Games as a premier sporting event is a key element in driving the growth of the Paralympic movement in Asia. I’m delighted therefore that we have signed this agreement today and thank the Organising Committee for all their hard work so far. I’d also like to thank the Indonesian Government for the support and commitment that they are showing to developing para-sport within the region. We are sure that the Games will not only strengthen the Paralympic movement throughout Asia but will also leave a legacy of greater understanding for people with a disability.’
