July 14, 2022
Phnom Penhccc – All ASEAN countries have expressed their support and assistance to Cambodia hosting the first ASEAN Para Games in 2023. The countries have pledged to ensure that the event, which will be held after next year’s SEA Games, will be a successful competition.
At the ASEAN Para Sports Federation Council meeting on July 11, Secretary General of the Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee (CAMSOC) Vas Chamroun confirmed that Cambodia plans to host 12 sports and that preparations for the Games Village are underway. Cambodia introduced the facilities and preparations it has made to welcome athletes with disabilities, which received support from representatives of ASEAN countries.
“They unanimously promised to provide all possible support to Cambodia as it hosts for the first time. We have requested technical assistance and they were happy to cooperate. They are impressed with how well-organised we are to host the athletes and look forward to Cambodia’s successful tournament,” he said.
The determination of representatives from the 10 ASEAN countries follows a call from Prime Minister Hun Sen, who also serves as Chairman of the Cambodian National Paralympic Committee, who urged ASEAN member states to support Cambodia in hosting the Southeast Asian Games and the ASEAN Para Games for the first time in history.
The Prime Minister spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference on July 11th.
“I call on member countries of the Southeast Asian Games and the ASEAN Para Games to extend all possible support for the success of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games,” he said.
In response to this call, the ASEAN Para Sports Federation gathered representatives from 11 countries to hold a meeting and hold discussions. The meeting focused mainly on two points. The first was to consider concrete cooperation and how to share roles and responsibilities, taking into account the progress made so far. The second was to evaluate Cambodia’s hosting arrangements. As a result of the discussions, all countries expressed strong confidence in Cambodia.
“It was an honour for the ASEAN Para Games delegates that Prime Minister Hun Sen, on behalf of the Rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Para Sports Federations Council, paid special attention to the comfort of the ASEAN Para Games athletes and delegates,” Chamlong said.
“We understand that Cambodia has demonstrated its readiness to host the Games. There are only a few details to be worked out. We are proud of all the support and we will put further efforts into our preparations. All countries, not just the ASEAN Para Sports Federation, are committed to supporting Cambodia where needed,” he added.
He said some countries had also suggested adding more events and reducing accommodation and food costs. These issues will be discussed by experts later and their recommendations will be conveyed to CAMSOC chairman, Deputy Prime Minister Tea Van, and Minister of Tourism Thong Khon, who is its permanent vice-chairman.
“There are still some finer details to be finalized, but overall we have received a warm welcome and everything is going according to plan. Initially we thought there might be some initial issues in sharing the host mechanism, but we have achieved good success and have received a warm welcome and praise from all member states,” he added.
Secretary-General of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation, Dr Wandee Toxuan, expressed pride that Cambodia will be hosting the Games for the first time in its history. The 12th Para Games are scheduled to be held from June 3 to 9. It will follow the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, which will be held from May 5 to 17 in 2023.
“We know that Cambodia will be hosting the Olympics for the first time and we are very proud to see such great preparations. I have the impression that the government and people will give a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Olympics. I would like to personally thank Prime Minister Hun Sen. I look forward to being here in June next year and hope all ASEAN countries will join us,” she said shortly after the meeting.
Myanmar’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and chairman of the National Olympic Committee, Min Thein Zan, was amazed at the rapid development of Cambodia’s sports infrastructure. He and the rest of the delegation took an extensive tour of the National Olympic Stadium and the newly built Moroduk Techo National Stadium, which will be used for the 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.
“Cambodia has developed a lot. I am impressed with the country. This is my first time here and I saw a lot of skyscrapers, beautiful stadiums and green football fields. I am really looking forward to experiencing a match here,” he told media.