Thumbs up for Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games preparations

"I’m truly impressed with what we’ve seen here, I assure you that Incheon is doing everything in its capacity to ensure that this will be the best Games ever. No stones are left unturned… Guangzhou set the benchmark in 2010, and now, Incheon has what it takes to achieve the same, if not better,”

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has given the thumbs up for the Incheon Asian Para Games Organising Committee (IAPGOC), giving its endorsement and expressing satisfaction over preparations for October’s Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games.

In his opening speech during the recent Chefs de Mission Seminar, APC President Dato Zainal Abu Zarin said Incheon has made significant progress in its preparation for the Games, proof of its high commitment to host the best Games ever.

“I’m truly impressed with what we’ve seen here, I assure you that Incheon is doing everything in its capacity to ensure that this will be the best Games ever. No stones are left unturned… Guangzhou set the benchmark in 2010, and now, Incheon has what it takes to achieve the same, if not better,” said Dato Zainal.

The Chefs de Mission Seminar, held in Yeongjong-do, Incheon from 11-12 June, saw the participation of more than 70 heads and representatives from 32 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Asia.

The 2014 Asian Para Games is scheduled from 18-24 October in Incheon city and its vicinity.

The Games is significant in many ways to athletes and contingents as it provides them the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, as well as collect valuable points to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on merit.

Dato Zainal said: “We are striving towards the realisation of APM2020 Vision in six years’ time. In that span of time, we’ll face another two editions of Asian Para Games, two Paralympic Games, several regional Games, numerous single sport championships, General Assemblies and Conference.

“With two years to go until the Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil, Incheon is an important platform for athletes and countries to prove their worth. The world will witness the prowess and might of our Asian Para stars, competing for pride and honour for their nations.”

IAPGOC President Kim Sung Il, secretary general Jung Kyu Seo, IAPGOC Directors, key officials from APC and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) also attended the two-day Seminar.

Participating Chef de Mission were also taken for a tour to the Games’ main venues which include the Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonhui-dong Seogu, Incheon World Cup Stadium in Munhak and the Athletes’ Village in Namdong-gu where athletes, coaches and officials will be housed throughout the seven-day Games.

A total of 23 sports and 603 events have been listed for the Games, four more than Guangzhou 2010 which featured 19 sports. The four new sports are lawn bowls, sailing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair dance sport.

The 2014 Games is expected to see the participation of some 6,000 athletes, officials and volunteers.