Jakarta President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially closed the 11th ASEAN Para Games at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta, Central Java, on Saturday night.
“By giving thanks to Allah SWT, Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin, I declare the 11th ASEAN Para Games 2022 closed tonight. See you at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in 2023 in Cambodia,” he remarked. His speech was broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat’s Youtube channel, which was followed from here.
Indonesia is very proud to have hosted the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, he said, and expressed gratitude to the 1,248 athletes from ASEAN countries who participated in the multi-sport event.
“Thank you for delivering the message that limitations and difficulties are not obstacles. With commitment and hard work, people with disabilities are able to score a million achievements,” President Jokowi remarked.
The solidarity among ASEAN countries demonstrated by the athletes will become an immense power for ASEAN and people with disabilities.
“We continuously support the initiatives of people with disabilities. Let’s make ASEAN Para Games next year in Cambodia a success,” he said.
The President also expressed his gratitude to delegates from all countries, especially athletes for their sportsmanship and sense of brotherhood.
“Thanks to the APSF (ASEAN Para Sports Federation), International Sports Federations, National Paralympic Committees (NPC), and the 11th ASEAN Para Games National Committee. I also thank the Governor of Central Java, the Mayor of Surakarta, and the people of Solo and Greater Solo, who have been a very friendly host,” he remarked.
The Indonesian contingent was confirmed as the general champion of the 11th APG with a medal tally of 177 golds, 141 silvers, and 110 bronzes.
This is the third time that Indonesia has managed to finish as general champion at the ASEAN Para Games after claiming the title in Naypyidaw, Myanmar (2014) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2017).
Source: Antara News