INASGOC will cooperate with the Tri Kusuma Bangsa foundation, which organizes the street children education centers in several regions such as in Jakarta, Blitar, and Baduy, according to the INASGOC statement received here on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Devie Rahmawati, social observer, who is concurrently the Head of Vocational Studies Program of University of Indonesia, stated that the involvement of street children in the 2018 Asian Games implementation would positively support the collective memory of the street children.
"The children will have more confidence, especially their fighting spirit and hard work, as they see the athletes compete. Children will also have self-esteem for being noticed and being part of (the Asian Games) organization," Rahmawati remarked.
In the meantime, chairman of Tri Kusuma Bangsa foundation, Any Kusuma Dewi, remarked that a sporting championship such as the Asian Games can teach children the values of cooperation and confidence, in addition to providing them physical strength.
Dewi further revealed that the marginal children in the streets and children with disabilities desperately need confidence to support their physical or mental development.
INASGOC, however, has not yet provided detailed information on the involvement of street children in the Asian Games.
The 2018 Asian Games will be held from August 18 to September 2, 2018, in Jakarta and the South Sumatra provincial city of Palembang.
Some 9.5 thousand athletes, 2.5 thousand personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5.5 thousand technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the event. Thousands of media representatives are also expected to cover the event.
As the host of the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia is eying a top 10 place in the medals tally of the pan-Asian multi-sports event. To secure it, Indonesia must win 15 to 20 gold medals.
In the history of the Asian Games, Indonesia has never taken home 20 gold medals. The country registered its highest tally of 11 gold medals in 1962, when it hosted the event for the first time.
Reported by Imam Santoso
(B003/INE)
(T.SYS/A/B003/B003)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018