"We think that competition starts from the lowest level of a village, a district or a province and goes right up to the national level, namely the PON. We want to attract the best athletes at a very young age in all disciplines of the sport," Jokowi said in Bandung District, West Java, on Saturday afternoon.
According to the president, the PON, which is being held from September 17 to 29, 2016, can help athletes to make even better achievements at higher levels, such as in the SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.
"I think if the competitions continue from the bottom to the national level, we will have good athletes. That is my goal," observed Jokowi.
The head of state is set to open PON XIX at Bandung Lautan Api Sport Stadium on Saturday night.
A number of events are on the agenda as the games open, including traditional dances, PON flame and fireworks.
Meanwhile, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan told Antara in Bandung that all arrangements for the opening of PON XIX were in place.
The West Java Governor informed that during the opening of the PON, the president will be seated in the lower tribune, close to the public and athletes.
Competitions will be held in 44 sports at 68 venues across 16 districts/cities in West Java, including Cirebon, Bandung, Bogor, Sukabumi, Karawang and Bekasi.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
