Social Minister, Bali Governor open Asian Para Games relay

Denpasar (Antaranews Bali) - The Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita together with the Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster opened the 2018 Asian Para Games (APG) relay which took place at the Governor`s Office in Bali, Denpasar, on Sunday morning.

The perpetual torch submission ceremony from the Chairperson of INAPGOC Para Game, Raja Sapta Oktohari which was handed over to the Governor of Bali was witnessed by hundreds of Denpasar residents, which then the eternal fire carried by the number one in Bali was handed over to the Minister of Social Affairs to be sent to Niti Mandala Renon Denpasar Field .

"With Indonesia as the host of the 2018 Asian Para Games, the international community will see Indonesia as a country that has very good standards for the field of disability," said the Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita after hearing the torch fire.

He said with Indonesia being the host in this event, if Indonesian athletes with disabilities could achieve more achievements or gain gold, it would be a pride for Indonesia.

"By winning a lot of medals in this event, Indonesian disability athletes can prove to the world that they can make achievements. So we can learn more about the benefits of this activity," said Agus Gumiwang who was accompanied by House Speaker Bambang Soesatyo and the Governor of Bali.

He said the Ministry of Social Affairs had also provided special training to INAPGOC volunteers to understand what was needed by the disability athletes who participated in the Asian Para Games championship.

"We at the Ministry of Social Affairs also have the duty to ensure that all sports and dormitory buildings are organized and managed according to disability friendly," he said.

Through this activity, it is hoped that it can encourage all local governments in Indonesia to give special attention to various disability-friendly public facilities.

He asked, so that the attention of the regional government could provide a sense of comfort to people with disabilities, just like other normal communities.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Bambang Soesatyo added that he was ready to fully support the 2018 APG committee both in terms of budget and assistance in various matters. "I hope Indonesia will be a good host and Indonesian athletes can score achievements as the athletes have done at the 2018 Asian Games some time ago," he said.

Thus the Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster takes pride, because Bali was the place where the APG 2018 torch parade began to be honored by the people of Bali and hopefully this torch relay from the Island of the Gods, will spur the INAPGOC committee to hold this APG successfully.

"I encourage what the Chairman of INAPGOC has planned to run smoothly and Indonesian athletes can produce achievements that are followed by the achievement of titles such as the acquisition at several Asian Games a few years ago," he said.

The Provincial Government of Bali is ready to succeed and fully support the implementation of APG 2018 so that it can run well and can lift the name of Indonesia and the name of Bali in the eyes of the world.  (WDY)