2008 ASEAN ParaGames

The 4th ASEAN ParaGames is a biannual multi-sport event held after every Southeast Asian Games, for athletes with physical disabilities from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The games are hosted by the same country where the SEA Games takes place.

Nakhon Ratchasima province of Thailand will host the 4th ASEAN Para Games from 20 - 26 January 2008 under the theme concept: "FRIENDSHIP, EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY"

4th ASEAN ParaGames objectives:

• "Promote friendship and solidarity among persons with disabilities in the Asean Region through sports"

• "Promote and develop sports for the differently abled"

• "Rehabilitate and integrate persons with disability into mainstream society through sports"

The games, patterned after the Paralympics, includes athletes with mobility disabilities, amputees, visual disabilities and those with cerebral palsy. Joining the action are delegations from Southeast Asian countries as well as top ASEAN athletes who've competed in the [http://www.paralympicmalaysia.org.my/english/index.asp?more=fespic/ 9th FESPIC Games] , held in Kuala Lumpur 2006. The previous 2005 ASEAN ParaGames was held in Manila, Philippines.

In the upcoming 4th ASEAN Para Games, 14 sports will be contested and 186 gold medals will be offered. They include archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, fencing, goalball, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. The ASEAN ParaGames is subject to the regulations of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF).

History

The 1st ASEAN Para Games, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 25, 2001 to October 30, 2001, was the initial major sports event of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF). The APSF was conceived in the special meeting of the National Paralympic Committees of the ASEAN countries during the 10th Malaysian Paralympiad and the ASEAN Cities Invitational.

The ASEAN Para Games, the “parallel” sports event for the disabled after every Southeast Asian Games, was patterned after the Paralympics and the FESPIC Games. The 2nd ASEAN Para games was held in Hanoi, Vietnam from December 19, 2003 to December 27, 2003. Timor Leste was formally included in the Games increasing its member countries to eleven. The 3rd ASEAN ParaGames was held in Manila, Philippines from December 14, 2005 to December 20, 2005. The 4th ASEAN Paragames was held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand from January 20, 2008 to January 26, 2008. The 5th ASEAN Paragames will be held in Laos in January, 2010.

Participating Countries

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Emblem and Mascot

The emblem of the ASEAN Para Games is inspired by Chumpol Gate, a historical place in Nakorn Ratchasima, Thailand. Chumpol Gate represents victory. It also denotes the exquisite Thai art and culture. Curvy blue and red lines represent the pageantry of fluttering flags leading eager, excited athletes marching into the stadium. The ASEAN Para Sports Federation logo sits in the center of the emblem, representing friendship and cooperation between participants from ASEAN countries.

Nok-Kao Karom, mascot of the 4th ASEAN Para Games, is a type of dove known locally as "nok khao karom", recognized as a symbol of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Karom is wise, cheerful, gentle, and friendly, reflecting the characteristics of Thai people. K stands for kind, A appreciation, R reliable, O optimistic, and M manners.

ports

* Archery
* Athletics
* Badminton
* Boccia
* Chess
* Fencing
* Goalball
* Judo
* Powerlifting
* Shooting
* Swimming
* Table tennis
* Wheelchair basketball
* Wheelchair tennis

Venues

Opening and Closing Ceremonies
* Main Stadium, His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium

Suranaree University of Technology
* Classification

Suranaree University of Technology
* Archery - Football Stadium
* Badminton - Suranareepirom Building
* Chess - Surasammanakan Building
* Fencing - Surapat 3 Building
* Shooting - Shooting Field
* Table tennis - Surapat 2 Building 3rd Floor
* Wheelchair basketball - Keelapirom Building

His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium
* Athletics - Main Stadium
* Boccia - Gymnasium
* Goalball - Gymnasium
* Swimming - Swimmimg Pool
* Wheelchair tennis - Tennis Court

Rajamangala of Technology Isan
* Judo - Gymnasium

Chanapolkhan Institute of Technology
* Powerlifting - Kebkanjana Hall

Medal Tally

"(Host nation in bold)"

ee also

* 2007 Southeast Asian Games
* Paralympics

External links

* [http://www.4thparagames.com/en/ 4th ASIAN PARA Games (Official website)]
* [http://www.2007paragames.com/eng/Home/tabid/91/Default.aspx Support website]
* [http://www.kl06fespicgames.com.my/kl06/default.asp?p=kl06&what=program 9th FESPIC Games, in Kuala Lumpur 2006.]
* [http://www.paralympic.org International Paralympic Committee]
* [http://www.shootonline.org/ International Shooting Committee for the Disabled]
* [http://www.deaflympics.com Deaflympics]
* [http://www.specialolympics.org Special Olympics]