Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali reviewed the preparations for the National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) XVI, which will officially open on Friday (November 5, 2021), in the Mandala Stadium, Jayapura city, Papua, on Thursday.
Amali arrived at Jayapura’s Sentani Airport on Thursday morning and made a stop at his hotel before visiting the Lukas Enembe Stadium and other sports venues to inspect their readiness for hosting Peparnas XVI matches.
A grand opening ceremony has been prepared for Peparnas, which will include a show involving 500 drones, the minister confirmed adding, singers Anggun and Nowela are expected to perform at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Peparnas XVI organizing committee deputy head II Hans Hamadi said the preparations have reached 100 percent completion.
“This means the largest sporting event for Indonesia’s athletes with disabilities is ready to take place on November 2-15, 2021. Technical and administrative preparation for the games has been completed and we currently are waiting for the event to begin,” Hamadi said.
The deputy head affirmed that strict health protocols will be enforced throughout the Peparnas XVI event like during the recently-concluded PON XX National Games.
The organizing committee has also prepared accessible facilities for participating athletes, Hamadi said.
“All facilities would be accessible for athletes with disabilities and their officials, in line with the National Paralympic Committee’s recommendation,” the deputy head informed.
Besides facilities at sporting venues and accommodation, vehicles used for transporting the athletes have been modified to allow easier access, he added.
Hamadi pointed out that airport operator Angkasa Pura has prepared special ramps at Sentani Airport for wheelchair users and the organizing committee has ensured the same facilities are available at all sports venues and hotels.
A total of 1,935 athletes are expected to take part at the Peparnas XVI Games, which will feature 12 sports competitions. The games will be hosted in Jayapura city and district, Papua.
Source: Antara News