"We will provide the best service to the tens of thousands of Popnas delegates. Hopefully, they will be able to compete fairly and achieve the optimal results," South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru said before attending a welcome dinner for the 16th Popnas on Saturday.
To make the national-level sports event a success, the provincial government has made several preparatory measures, including arranging accommodation facilities for participants and preparing venues for the matches of various sports branches, he informed.
"We have prepared all the facilities to welcome the contingents and hold an opening ceremony for the 16th Popnas, which is planned to be inaugurated by Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo," he said.
To complement the efforts exerted by the provincial government, Governor Deru also invited all parties and all levels of society to take part in making the national-level youth sports competition a success.
"We are grateful for the designation of Palembang as the host of Popnas," he noted.
Furthermore, he expressed the hope that the arrival of thousands of visitors to Palembang during the tournament will help South Sumatra boost the achievements and performance of its young athletes and pave the way for them to compete at the international level.
The governor said he hoped that the event will increase the income of South Sumatra's micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as stimulate the development of the province's tourism sector.
He informed that the 2023 Popnas will feature 22 sports from the initially planned 26 sports.
The number of sports was reduced on account of the withdrawal of Bangka Belitung Islands province as the initial host of the 16th edition of the sports competition, he added.
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Translator: Yudi A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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