| Official Opening of the 4th ASEAN Para Games Athletes' Village-The Green Games |
 |
19th January 2008
The Athletes' Village of the 4th ASEAN Para Games was officially declared open in a rousing and harmonious ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony took place at the International Zone of the village, located at Suranaree University of Technology at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Members of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation was present to witness the ceremony as flag bearers of each of the eleven participating countries took turns to raise their respective state flags to the tunes of their national anthems.
Prior to the flag raising, a minute of silence was observed to commemorate the passing of Thailand's Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Narathiwas at the age of 84. As part of the commemoration, 84 trees were planted in her memory by representatives of the participating countries at the Athletes' Village.
The planting of the trees also bore special significance in the bid to decrease pollution and the greenhouse effect. As mentioned by Dr Nat Indrapana, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand in his opening address, he sought the help of all athletes and officials to make the 4th ASEAN Para Games, the "Green Games". Dr Indrapana also highlighted how the world would benefit as a result of reducing energy usage and garbage during this Games.
Singapore has sent the largest ever contingent to the 4th ASEAN Para Games with 57 athletes and 35 officials. We will be competing in eight sports namely Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball, Table-Tennis, Swimming, Chess, Shooting, Athletics and Badminton.
Competition will take place from 21-25 January 2008.
|
|
Swimmer Mr James Leow (left) and Chef de Mission Mr Henry Tan raising the Singapore Flag
|
|
For enquiries, please call
Jeff Ang
Corporate Communications Executive
Singapore Disability Sports Council
Mobile (Thailand): +66 8700 96181
Email: jeff.ang@sdsc.org.sg
|
|
|
|
