Sports Kaleidoscope

Asian Youth Para Games

All things in their being are good for something. In recent years, sport achievements of disabled people have drawn much attention. Their remarkable achievements in sport events fully demonstrate the fortitude, positivity and confidence of disabled people. Sports also help to develop social bonds between disabled and able-bodied persons. In view of this, the Asian Paralympic Committee organized the "Asian Youth Para Games" ("AYPG") to explore promising young athletes and promote sports among disabled youth in Asia.

AYPG is held for Asian youth who are physically challenged, mentally handicapped or with cerebral palsy and so forth. The first AYPG was held in Hong Kong in 2003 with only five events, including athletics, boccia, badminton, swimming and table tennis. A total of 500 athletes from 16 countries participated. The second AYPG was held in Tokyo in 2009. The number of participating countries surged to 29, bringing 806 athletes to the Games. Hong Kong sent its representatives to participate in both games and won many awards.

The Asian Youth Para Games this year was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 26 to 30 October 2013. 42 Asian countries and regions sent a total of 2,500 athletes aged 15 to 19 to participate. There were 14 events including archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, goalball, judo, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball sitting, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and tenpin bowling. Comparing to the previous years, both the number of participants and types of sports significantly increased this year.

The theme for this year is “Passion Grows, Dreams Fulfilled, Friendships Strengthened”. The Committee used ingenious fonts for logo design, while a small and agile mouse deer was chosen as the official mascot. This little animal is said to be good at solving problems, symbolizing the young athletes of being “small but powerful”.

This year Hong Kong sent 32 athletes to participate in six events including athletics, badminton, boccia, swimming, table tennis and tenpin bowling. The Hong Kong representative team also includes 21 coaches and team staff, totaling 53 persons. Hong Kong team had won 15 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 7 bronze medals.

According to the "Olympic Charter", the practice of sport is a human right. To persevere and prevail, young disabled athletes demonstrated admirable attitude in the arena. They live by the spirit of the Olympic to promote understanding and solidarity among people by competition without discrimination, and contribute in building a harmonious world encompassing disabled and able-bodied persons.

Tenpin Bowling Event		Table Tennis Event

Hong Kong Delegation in Opening Ceremony

Hong Kong Delegation in Closing Ceremony

Source:
Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled
(http://www.hkparalympic.org)
Asian Paralympic Committee
(http://www.asianparalympic.org)
Asian Youth Para Games Malaysia 2013
(http://www.asianyouthparagamesmalaysia2013.org.my)