- ANTARA/Akhmad Nazaruddin Lathif.
VIVA – The 2022 ASEAN Para Games torch began its journey on a relay course after its flame was ignited from the Eternal Flame in Mrapen in Godong Sub-district, Grobogan District, Central Java.
Indonesian National Paralympic Organisation Committee's (INASPOC's) Director for Match Support, Hendri Oka, stated that from Grobogan, the torch would be relayed to three cities before arriving at its final destination, Surakarta, that will host the games.
"The torch relay will proceed from Grobogan to Semarang and then continue to Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, and end in Surakarta. The torch relay is scheduled to take place from July 23 to 24, 2022," the INASPOC official stated here, Saturday.
The torch was kindled by Oka before he relayed it to Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno and Grobogan District Head Sri Sumarni. Para-swimming athlete Solikhan, who clinched the gold medal in the 2018 Central Java Provincial Paralympic Games, continued the relay.
Stadion Manahan Solo jelang pembukaan ASEAN Para Games 2022.
- ANTARA/Aris Wasita
He highlighted that the Eternal Flame of Mrapen is a historical site in Indonesia that has hosted countless events of national significance in the past. The official then expressed optimism that the torch relay would motivate paralympic athletes to win.
Meanwhile, Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno stated that the selection of Central Java as the host of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games is an honour for the province, as the multi-sport event is a medium to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
"If we speak about equality, we will facilitate rights for the people with disabilities according to their allotment through this event," Sumarno remarked.
People with disabilities do not want other residents to pity them, as they also yearn to lead an independent life if the facilities they need are fulfilled, he noted.
"This event is also a medium to inform residents that certain rights, such as public facilities, must be provided for people with disabilities," the regional secretary remarked.
The 2022 ASEAN Para Games are scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 6 in Central Java, with the sporting venues for the games' matches being scattered across Surakarta, Grobogan, Sukoharjo, and Karanganyar. (ant)
