The Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) Malaysia 2013 theme song was officially launched here today, marking another exciting run-up to the upcoming Games scheduled in October.
With 63 days left before the start of AYPG Malaysia 2013, an official song titled “YOU I BELIEVE”, was launched by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Datuk M .Saravanan, with the aim of promoting and instilling awareness on the Games which takes place from 26
The simple yet meaningful event, held at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur here, was also attended by PCM Patron YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah and PCM President Dato’ Zainal Abu Zarin.
“YOU I BELIEVE” is produced by local composer Dato Wah Idris, in collaboration with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), host of the AYPG Malaysia 2013.
Apart from Dato Wah himself as singer, artistes who have lent their voices in the song include Natasha Wah Idris, Natalia Wah Idris, Ainan Tasneem, Aswad AF5 and Darling of Bintang Kecil.
YB Datuk Saravanan praised PCM for the initiative, saying that it would help in the promotion of the Games as well instilling awareness on the struggle and contribution of Para athletes in the country. “The Government recognises their contribution.. and this is not merely rhetoric. Equal opportunities and incentives, as received by ablebodied athletes, are given to Para athletes,” said Datuk Saravanan.
Tun Jeanne, in her remarks said: “Para athletes can inspire us to reach our goals and dreams through their courage, bravery and determination to overcome challenges and to succeed against all odds.”
PCM President Dato Zainal, who is also chairman of the Malaysia Asian Youth Para Games Organising Committee (MAYPGOC) hoped that the song would not only help promote the Games, but also lift the spirit of Malaysians from all walks of life to come out and show their support towards the athletes.
Malaysia will be represented by more than 200 athletes in the Games where 14 sports – Athletics, Archery, Boccia, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Powerlifting, Goalball, Tenpin Bowling, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Judo, Volleyball-Sitting – will be contested.
Dato Wah Idris, also known for his 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games composition “Standing In The Eyes Of The World” said: “This song is specially written for all Para athletes from all over the world. They are an inspiration to all of us to strive for greatness in whatever conditions,” he said.
More than 600 events will be contested throughout the five-day Games, which is expected to see the participation of more than 2,000 athletes from 42 Asian nations.
AYPG 2013 is hosted by the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).
FACTS:
“YOU I BELIEVE”
Producer: Dato Wah Idris
Composer: Dato Wah Idris
Lyrics: Dato Wah Idris & Nadiah Mahmud
Vocals: Dato Wah Idris, Natasha Wah Idris, Natalia Wah Idris, Ainan Tasneem, Aswad AF5, Darling Bintang Kecil, Hafiz Jefer, Claire, Shankri, students of Alliance University College of Medical Sciences