Menpora Dito: Pepopenas X 2023 Proof Of Government And Community Concern For Equality

Photo: Doc. Kemenpora

PALEMBANG - Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora Ri) Dito Ariotedjo said Pepopenas X of 2023 is proof of the government's concern and society for equality for persons with disabilities.

This was conveyed by Menpora Dito at the opening of the X23 National Student Paralympic Week (Peparpenas) at Palembang Sport and Convention Center, Tuesday, August 1 night.

"I also want to remind you again that in every event, it is not just a glory in winning medals and achievements, it is not just pride to represent each province," said Menpora Dito.

"But there is another more important meaning, where at this event it will show that all Indonesian people in various layers together with the Government fully support equality for people with disabilities in Indonesia," he added.

Menpora Dito also said that this activity was a form of support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports as an application of Law Number 11 of 2022 concerning Sport, and Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities, where the government fully guarantees the right to exercise for friends with disabilities.

"For the participants who will become champions, they will be the driving force and a reminder that this is only your first step, and for athletes who are not lucky enough not to be discouraged, because hard work will not betray you," said Menpora Dito.

"I hope that during the match, we will continue to uphold sportsmanship, and together let's prove that we are young, we can," concluded the Menpora.

In the Peparpenas X 2023 event, there were six sports that were competed, namely athletics, boccia, chess, swimming, table tennis, and badminton. The six sports matches will be centered in Jakabaring Sport City (JSC) Palembang City, South Sumatra, July 29 - August 5, 2023.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Sports Empowerment Raden Isnanta said the spirit of Pepopenas was not just to hold matches, look for potential seeds and calculate medals. However, there is a more noble mission, namely to provide sports events for people with disabilities to be equal to those with ordinary ones.

"The spirit and motivation of them must be nurtured continuously. With Peparpenas, they can show off and increase their confidence that they are also able to excel and defend the name of Indonesia later in the world through sports," he said.