Para athletes are extraordinary people, says Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: The ninth Asean Para Games is no ordinary competition, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said here last night.

In his opening speech, he said the athletes taking part in the event were extraordinary people.

“Where others see disability, they see ability. Where others see obstacles, they see opportunity. Where others give excuses, they persevere. Where others resign to fate, they are masters of their own destiny.

Khairy added: “It is because of the powerful impact that our para athletes have had on our country that Malaysia is proud to be one of the few countries in the world that reward them the same as able-bodied athletes.

“Within just 24 hours, not one, not two, but three gold medals were won by our athletes Ridzuan Puzi, Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly at the Rio Paralympics.

“They show us that people with disability can still achieve victory.”

Khairy said the Para Games had become a sporting event that many looked forward to.

“Tonight we are celebrating those who have made and will make themselves a name, as well as those who will make the country proud in this year’s Para Games.

“We want the ninth Asean Para Games to be another glorious event to celebrate the extraordinary human spirit.”

He said a few weeks ago, many were gathered at the same stadium to mark the opening of the 29th Sea Games

“We saw athletes from across Southeast Asia raising the bar for sports in the region.

“New records were set, new stars were born and people were inspired to rise together.

“And we are not even close to being done with inspiring others. Because tonight we celebrate the start of one week of extraordinary inspiration.”