JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, appreciates athletes with disabilities who have brought Indonesia to become the overall champion of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games. She is proud of the achievements of Indonesian athletes.
"Congratulations on the success of the Indonesian team that came out as the overall champion of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games. This success is thanks to the hard work of all parties involved to make the nation proud," said Puan, Monday, August 8.
Puan also gave appreciation to the athletes of the Indonesian Para Games. According to Puan, all athletes participating in the ASEAN Para Games are proof that people with disabilities can still excel.
“Thank you to the sports heroes who have brought Indonesia back to become the overall champion of the ASEAN Para Games. This includes coaches, officials, and volunteers who help athletes with disabilities fight for the good name of Indonesia," she said.
Puan thanked the Government for supporting the implementation of the multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities in Southeast Asia. Appreciation is also given to the Indonesia ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee (INASPOC), which is always the implementer, the Indonesian Army (TNI)/Indonesian Police (Polri), the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, and all agencies and parties that assist in organizing this event.
"Indonesia's success in organizing the ASEAN Para Games is proof that the state facilitates sports activities and achievements for people with disabilities," said Puan.
To note, Indonesia's gold medal at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games is the biggest achievement in the participation of the Garuda Team since 2001. Indonesia occupies the top position after winning 426 medals with details of 175 gold medals, 144 silver medals, and 107 bronze medals.
The DPR hopes that Indonesia's achievements can continue to improve in the implementation of the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia. Therefore, Puan invites all stakeholders to fully support the development of athletes with disabilities for the next 1 year.
"The development of athletes with disabilities certainly requires a lot of money, but in order to make Indonesia proud in the international world, the DPR will continue to provide support through council functions," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.
"We also invite the Government, including the Regional Government, to work optimally in providing guidance and support to athletes with disabilities," added Puan.
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With maximum support for the Para Games team, it is hoped that Indonesia will be able to defend its title where this year is the third time Indonesia has become the overall champion of the ASEAN Para Games after 2014 in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, and 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Puan highlighted that Indonesia also has good report cards in a number of sports at the ASEAN Para Games.
“Such as badminton, chess, swimming, athletics, blind judo, power-lifting, sitting volleyball, and table tennis. So, improve coaching in sports that have the potential to win medals while continuing to work on advancing other sports," said the 2018 Asian Para Games Steering Chair.
On the other hand, Puan reminded the Government to guarantee the rights of athletes with disabilities as mandated by Law Number 11 of 2022 concerning Sports. Starting from the right to guidance, development, and welfare of athletes with disabilities.
“This means that the state must be able to guarantee better budgets, programs and facilities. Athletes with disabilities must have the same rights as other athletes when they have worked hard to be able to excel, including in giving bonuses,” explained Puan.
The grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia, Bung Karno, also assessed that it is necessary to continue breeding athletes with disabilities through championships at the regional level. According to Puan, this can be a way to select athletes with disabilities at the national level.
“Wide opportunities to take part in sports must be given to persons with disabilities, both as athletes and as a support team. For example, as coaches or academics, to official teams that help athletes," she explained.
Puan is optimistic that there are many young people of the nation who have the potential and have the fighting spirit to be able to excel in the field of sports, even though they do not have physical perfection. It is emphasized that the state must be able to facilitate them.
"We should never destroy the dreams of people with disabilities to be able to make achievements and record history that can elevate the dignity of the nation and state," said Puan.
Not only that, but the welfare of the athletes also needs to be considered even when people with disabilities are no longer involved in sports because of the age factor. Puan said, it is proper for former athletes with disabilities to be guaranteed a prosperous life until they are old.
"DPR hopes that the sports sector is able to empower the potential of people with disabilities so that they can contribute to the nation," she concluded.
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