"This time, PON is a gamble on the dignity and values of Indonesia's Papua in the world," chairman of PON Merauke sub-management, Romanus Mbaraka, said while launching the PON XX Merauke cluster, according to a report on the website infopublik.id on Wednesday.
With representatives of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) of Merauke district, Mbaraka officially opened the Merauke cluster at the Head Sai Merauke Sports Building.
Based on the results of Tuesday's draw, competitions in six disciplines of Wushu's Taolu branch have been organized at the PON: men's Taijijian, women's Taijijian, men's Nan Quan, women's Nan Quan, men's Chang Quan, and women's Chang Quan.
Under the men's and women's Chang Quan competitions, the first matches were directly competed as finals, while the other four events were organized as combined competitions, Mbaraka said.
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The first day of the competition featured contests in five classes in the men's group: 48kg, 52kg, 56kg, 60kg, and 65kg, he informed.
Mbaraka also expressed gratitude for the Indonesian government's trust in designating Papua as the PON host this year.
"Representing the governor and all (government) elements, we thank President Joko Widodo who gave us confidence as the host of PON," he remarked.
He said he hoped that all managers, committees, officials, and athletes will work together and compete well with full sporting spirit.
Sporting spirit implies working from the heart with candor and helping make PON a bridge for friendship in the archipelago, he remarked.
"We will keep good communication and let's make Merauke a great host. The good testimony of Merauke will be spread throughout the archipelago. If there is something that is not pleasing to our hearts, leave it here," he said.
According to Mbaraka, Papua is a cool and peaceful region that symbolizes the Merah Putih values. Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia, he added.
He also reminded all parties to comply with the health protocols, especially when conducting activities in Papua.
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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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