He said he did not receive any complaint from contingents, athletes, and community members regarding the event. The minister, however, assured that the government would still evaluate the successful event that has been hosted by Solo for the sixth time.
"We will surely carry out evaluations. To this very second, the holding of the Peparnas has not yet led to any complaint," Ariotedjo noted in a statement cited from the 17th Peparnas' website in Solo on Sunday.
Speaking at a bowling arena on Saturday (October 12), the minister attributed the smooth-running of the 2024 Peparnas to Central Java's experiences in hosting various multi-sport events.
"Central Java has hosted a variety of multi-sport events. Earlier, the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra had the opportunity to co-host the National Sports Week (PON). Both events are good. We would like to appreciate all involved in organizing them," he said.
Related news: Regional govts have role in supporting disabled athlete achievements
This year's edition of the quadrennial national multi-sport event dedicated to athletes with disabilities drew participation from around four thousand athletes hailing from 35 provinces across Indonesia. The event, featuring 20 sports, began on October 6 and will be closed on Sunday.
Ariotedjo underscored that the 20 sports contested in the Peparnas were chosen to help Indonesian para athletes get well prepared for international-level championships, such as ASEAN Para Games, Asian Para Games, and the Paralympics.
"The sports being contested have been accredited and recognized by the International Paralympic Comittee.We will focus on similar sports for the next editions of PON. Our objective is to prepare for the Olympics through the holding of PON and Peparnas," he added.
Central Java appeared to become the overall champion of the 17th Peparnas with 161 gold, 121 silver, and 124 bronze medals, while West Java and Jakarta respectively finished second and third in the medal standings.
Related news: Minister urges higher goals for Indonesia’s paralympic athletes
Translator: Fajar S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
