Asian Para Games takes over FESPIC legacy

The first Asian Para Games (also known as the 2010 Asian Para Games), a parallel sport event for disabled Asian athletes, opens on Dec 12 and closes on Dec 19, 2010, two weeks after the conclusion of the 16th Asian Games. The event will be held in Guangzhou. Known as the City of Flowers, uangzhou has pleasant weather in winter and is suitable for many sports.

About 7,700 athletes and officials from 41 Asian member nations and regions are expected to participate in this multisport competition, making this the most comprehensive Asian event as a stepping stone for elite Asian athletes aiming for the London 2012 Paralympics. Competition and training venues plus all other facilities to be used for the 16th Asian Games will be converted to meet the disabilityaccessible requirements for Asian Para Games athletes, offi cials, staff and audience.

As the inaugural Asian Para Games, the event is expected to become the benchmark for all future Asian Para Games. The first Asian Para Games is organized by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) in cooperation with the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (GAPGOC). GAPGOC aims to stage a unique Asian Para Games.