Tokyo 2009 Asia Youth Paragames

(Oita Godo Newspaper, September 10th 2009, morning paper)

The opening ceremony was held in Tokyo Gymnasium (Shibuya Ward), and was attended by the crown prince and the governor Shintaro Ishihara. There was wind orchestra by Katakura High School and then it was followed by the athletes entering the ground.

On this occasion, the crown prince said "This competition would encourage the development of sports for the physically challenged athletes, and it would deepen the understanding about the physically challenged people. Also, I hope that people would be able leave in peace and continue building society".

This competition was sponsored by Asia Paralympic Games Committee (APC). This was the second time to hold this competition after Taipei Competition in 2003. There were six types of games being competed, including track and field, swimming, table tennis. From Japan, there were 210 people who participated as athletes and staff.

Comment: I was actually participating as a volunteer in this Paralympics. It was really great to see people from all over the world to come and participate in this sports competition. It was even greater to see the athletes, as they were trying their best to compete despite their physical disabilities, and also to see their staff members who came all the way to accompany and support them. Just like Olympics, this activity contributes in uniting the world, and gives support to the athletes that they can also make a difference in the world, transcending physical limitations.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM3