Inaugural Asian Paralympic Gathering to conclude in Abu Dhabi

The first-ever Asian Paralympic Gathering is due to get underway in Abu Dhabi ©APC

The first-ever Asian Paralympic Gathering is due to conclude in Abu Dhabi where the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) will develop a new strategy for sport in the region.

The event, attended by more than100 delegates from Asian National Paralympic Committees (NPC), as well as representatives from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), has included workshops and seminars concerning Paralympic sport in Asia.

It is hoped that the gathering, hosted by the United Arab Emirates Paralympic Committee, will encourage productive discussions to provide a better platform for Para-athletes across the continent and will give NPCs the opportunity to speak about their concerns and expectations.

“I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE Paralympic Committee, the host of this event, for their distinguished efforts in supporting and developing the Paralympic movement on the various regional, continental and international levels,” APC President Majid Rashed said.

“Paralympic Sport is to prove one’s self-confidence and strengthen one’s will power to convert the impossible into reality.

“The importance of this conference is that it is the first step towards developing a new strategy for the work of the APC.”

Image title — The inaugural event in Abu Dhabi has been attended by delegates from the Asian National Paralympic Committees as well as representatives from the International Paralympic Committee ©APC

The APC have also committed to continually helping the NPCs in their development to ensure they meet their own athletes’ expectations and to try to improve their performances, particularly by aiding them with their financial management, an area which remains difficult for developing countries.

“The meeting aims to devote a culture of cooperation and partnership between the local Paralympic Committees, through the study of the economic and social reality, and shedding light on the obstacles and challenges they face in order to encourage those concerned, at continental and global levels, to provide the necessary support as per the requirements of each country,” Rashed added.

“We hope to be able to integrate into the global vision for developing Paralympic sport, and improve the performance of the Asian committees in order to bring it to the levels of competition with other continental committees.”