"However, not all provinces have equally supported the development of athletes with disabilities," said Budi Ariyanto Muslim, the assistant deputy for mainstay sports.
The 2024 National Paralympic Week is being held from October 6 to 13 in Solo City, Central Java.
He expressed hope that provincial governments will strive to help athletes with disabilities reach elite levels.
"We hope that, in addition to the para-athletes competing in Peparnas, this event will also produce athletes we can prepare to become elite competitors," Ariyanto said.
He added that Peparnas has four main objectives: successful organization, athlete achievements, efficient management, and contributions to the local economy.
The government is strongly committed to helping athletes with disabilities excel internationally, Muslim said.
"A training center is being constructed in Karanganyar, Central Java, this year. This reflects the government's commitment to advancing parasports. We will train and prepare athletes there to become elite competitors," he explained.
He also emphasized that the ministry is working to secure the future welfare of these athletes by appointing them as civil servants.
"This year, a total of 350 para and non-para athletes will be appointed as civil servants at the Ministry of Youth and Sports," Ariyanto said.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, has stressed that Indonesia's athletes with disabilities must aim for greater achievements in the Paralympic Games.
"PON (National Sports Week) should be oriented toward the Olympics, or at least the Asian Games. Similarly, Peparnas must be aimed at the Paralympics, or at least the Asian Para Games," he said.
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Translator: Aris W, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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