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PRESS RELEASE
Number: 74/08/ASEANPARAGAMES/2022
Solo - Officials and athletes from neighbouring countries who participated in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games praised the organization of the event. Despite limited preparation time, they are amazed by the facilities and venues for the sport. In fact, Solo was just appointed as the host city in January.
The ASEAN Para Games for this year were initially slated to take place in Vietnam because they were the host of the 2021 SEA Games. However, Vietnam withdrew as the host city due to several problems.
Solo is an inclusive city that is friendly to people with disabilities. Malaysian para chess coach, Ahmad Izzudin bin Ahmad Rostam, is thankful for Indonesia's decision to replace Vietnam as the host of the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, because not many countries are willing to open up after the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years.
"We are from Malaysia feel proud because Indonesia has initiated to host the 2022 ASEAN Para Games. Otherwise, we don't know how long we will have to wait for the event," said Izzudin. Cheah Liek Hou who competed in para badminton, agreed with Ahmad Izzudin bin Ahmad Rostam.
"As far as I remember, this is the fourth time I come to Solo, but this is the first time I played on this field. All facilities are really good, we just need to pay attention to the wind during the match," said Hou after playing his first match at the Edutorium of the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS).
Malaysian goalball coach, George Thomas and his athlete Muhammad Amirul Ahmad shared their experience in Solo. According to them, Solo is a disabled-friendly city.
"The organization of 2022 ASEAN Para Games is very good, all facilities are disabled friendly," said George.
"All the committee here are friendly and treat us well," said Amirul.
Filipino para chess athlete, Rodolfo Sormiento said he is pleased with facilities at the hotel, including food and various things that support people with disabilities.
"Indonesian and Filipino food have similarities, It’s just that Indonesian food is more spicy. The facilities here are very good. We are happy to live here," said Rodolfo who was met while shopping for souvenirs with his friends around the venue.
Not only facilities, they also fall in love with Solo culinary. Malaysian para-athletics coach, Eryanto bin Bahtiar, praised the menu served is very varied and meeting nutritional standards.
"This is the second time for the ASEAN Para Games held in Solo and we also came in 2011. The progress is apparent because all services are currently very good, including food, hotel and transportation," said Eryanto.
Tyas Priharsanti, Liaison Officer (LO) of Thai wheelchair tennis contingent said that her guests asked for Salak and want to experience car free day event in Solo. There is also one of her guests who want to eat Nasi Uduk.
Another interesting story come from Manahan Stadium, para-athletic sports venue. Thailand Khamtong, who is usually called "Little Thai" is one of the supporters from Thailand. He is happy that Indonesia willing to host the 2022 ASEAN Para Games.
"We are very grateful to Indonesia. Thank you, Indonesia, for organizing this event after a four years absence. Look, the Thai athletes are very happy to compete again," said Khamtong excitedly while pointing at some of his country's athletes.
"The people here are also very nice and friendly to me," he added.
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