Dates set for two Games

FOLLOWING the disappointment of not being able to host the 2017 Sea Games and Asean Para Games concurrently, Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday announced the confirmed separate dates.

The Sea Games will be held on Aug 19-31, while the Asean Para Games is scheduled on Sept 17-23.

Khairy, who is also chairman of the Malaysian Sea Games Organising Committee (MASOC), said in a statement: “On the dates, we had initially hoped that both the Sea Games and Asean Para Games would be held concurrently. This would have been truly historic and be consistent with our theme of inclusiveness, ‘Rising Together’.

“MASOC has done a detailed study on staging both Games at the same time and there were no technical or logistical reasons why it could not happen.

“Most of the regional Para sports federations supported the idea because they understood the positive message of inclusivity that would come from having two Games at the same time with one opening and closing ceremony. This would have been a powerful celebration of diversity and the human spirit.

“Unfortunately, the idea was not endorsed by the SEAGF (Sea Games Federation) at their meeting last week.

“Although as the host country we are disappointed by the lack of vision and courage shown by the SEAGF, we respect the decision and will move on to organise the best ever Sea Games and Asean Para Games during separate dates.”

At the SEAGF meeting in Kuala Lumpur, nine member countries voted against running the two Games simultaneously, while only two (Malaysia and Laos) voted for.

On a separate note, Khairy urged more people to sign up as volunteers for both the Games next year.

Both the events, officially known as the KL2017, have so far received 12,000 completed registrations.

Those interested can register at the official website www.kualalumpur2017.com.my. By Fabian Peter