The torch relay event has become (one of) our post-pandemic economic boosters.
Solo, C Java (ANTARA) - Thousands of people enthusiastically welcomed the torch relay of the 11th ASEAN Para Games (APG) which took a tour from Purwosari to Sriwedari Stadium and headed toward Surakarta City Hall, Surakarta City, Central Java Province, on Sunday.

A number of cultural activities also enlivened the event, such as the ‘Reog’, ‘Lembu Sura’, and ‘Barong Kemamang’ traditional dance, as well as the Solo Batik Carnival.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, accompanied by Surakarta Mayor as well as Chair of Indonesian ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee (INASPOC) Gibran Rakabuming Raka, carried the torch from Purwosari to Sriwedari Stadium -- which was the host of the first Indonesia's National Sports Week (PON)

At the stadium, the torch was carried around the field once. Furthermore, it was handed over to Chairperson of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Senny Marbun.

Later, the torch relay was continued by the athletes of the Indonesian NPC to the city hall.

"(The 11th APG will) not only revive the sporting activities (among the community), but also the tourism and economic sectors of Surakarta City. We (can) see (that) the community enthusiastically welcome (the implementation of the) APG in Surakarta City," Uno stated.

He motivated all Indonesian athletes to realize the target of making the country as the winner of the sporting event.

"The torch relay event has become (one of) our post-pandemic economic boosters,” he continued.

Furthermore, he quoted a rhyme, saying ‘Travelling to Surakarta City to stay in villa, to also experience the hospitality of the city. Let’s succeed the implementation of APG 2022 in Indonesia, to further revive the nation's economy’.

Meanwhile, Marbun has expected that the sporting event for athletes with disabilities will be successful and Indonesia will become the champion of the event.

Secretary General of ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) Wandee Tosuwan lauded Indonesia's thorough preparation to host the event – which will be held on July 30 to August 6, 2022.

"Thank you, Surakarta City, (and) thank you, Indonesia, as the host of APG 2022," she remarked.

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Translator: Bambang Marwoto, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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