12th ASEAN Para Games: APSF Assures Full Support For Cambodia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) will give its full support to Cambodia when the kingdom hosts the ASEAN Para Games (APG) for the first time next year. APSF president Maj Gen Osoth Bhavilai, in a statement, said close collaboration among all related stakeholders was vital and that the APSF, as well as member nations, were prepared to provide assistance and expertise in various areas to ensure the successful staging of the biennial Games. The 12th edition of the APG is scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh from June 3-9 next year - two weeks after the end of the 32nd edition of the SEA Games in the kingdom. Osoth said the APSF had expertise in various areas, including sports, technical, classification, science, medical and anti-doping, which could all be utilised for the benefit of the host country. “The last four years have been difficult as two of our Games were cancelled due to the (COVID-19) pandemic... our athletes are itching to get back into action. We look forward to exciting moments in the next 11 months as we prepare for the 11th APG in Solo (Indonesia) this month (30 July-6 Aug) and the Cambodia Games next year. “We look forward to working closely with the Cambodia ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (CAMAPGOC) in all areas to ensure a smooth operation before and during the Games,” said Osoth, who chaired a preliminary coordination meeting with CAMAPGOC chief executive officer Vath Chamroeun in Phnom Penh recently. The statement added that the presidents and representatives from the paralympic councils of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Timor Leste attended the meeting. Brunei did not send any delegates or representatives to the meeting. Matters discussed at the meeting included proposed sports, COVID-19 health protocol, transportation, arrival and departures and as well registration fees by contingents and athletes. While the SEA Games will be held in five provinces, namely Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kep and Kempot, the APG will be centralised at the iconic Morodok Techo National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh. -- BERNAMA