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PRESS RELEASE
Number: 77/08/ASEANPARAGAMES/2022
Solo – The spirit of “Striving for Equality” which becomes the slogan of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games 2022 lives on throughout the event.
On the last day of para table tennis event at Solo Techno Park, 5 August 2022, a Timor Leste female athlete helped Sabar, a middle-aged man who become a scavenger since the 2022 ASEAN Para Games Solo, to collect items from discarded material.
Liliana, who is usually called Ali, was touched when she saw Sabar searched through items from discarded material in front of the venue.
"I help him because I really like to help. After all, humans have to help each other," said Ali.
"I am here as a table tennis athlete and competed in class 9. However, I failed to get a medal because this is my first ASEAN Para Games," he added.
When she was asked further about his impression of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, Ali answered enthusiastically because the committee treated him well throughout the event. He even said that he wanted to take a trip on the shuttle to go around Solo with her friends from Timor Leste’s table tenis team.
The Timor Leste contingent closed the 2022 ASEAN Para Games with 12 medal collections consisting of 5 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze.
Meanwhile, Sabar, who lives in the village around Techno Park, stated that the 2022 ASEAN Para Games Solo is a blessing for him who did not have a permanent job. Because cardboard boxes used for food or water bottles that he collects can be valued at up to Rp. 300 thousand per sack.
"Instead of doing nothing, it's better to collect used goods. I don't count how many have been taken, but later they are collected in big sacks and taken by those who want to buy them.
In these three days, I have collected 1 sack of used goods which is valued at 300 thousand," said Sabar.
"I just take the boxes from the trash can in front of this building. Because the boxes from the trash can behind (the building) are taken by other people .That's okay, we share the fortune with other people," he added.
The 2022 ASEAN Para Games is not always about the competition, it is also the driving force for economic recovery during the pandemic , especially for Greater Solo area. The 2022 ASEAN Para Games is an opportunity for Indonesia to promote inclusive community that values sportsmanship in everyday life.
Contact persons:
Suhud I +62856-3555-117
Isnan I +62815-6756-969
