Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wangsuphakitkoson was joined by the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Kongsak Yodmanee at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Oct 16 to wish the athletes well ahead of the competition which runs until next Saturday (Oct 28).
Also part of the delegation of well wishers were SAT Directors Sathit Boonthong and Chanchai Suksuwan, and the President of the Chiang Mai Sports Association Montree Hanjai.
Mr Sudawan acknowledged the importance of the Asian Para Games, stating it is a great opportunity for disabled athletes from Thailand to demonstrate their sporting prowess on the global stage.
He also explained that the athletes and their coaching and support staff have received full budget support from the Ministry to enable them to be the best versions of themselves in their respective sporting disciplines.
Mr Sudawan added that the competition also provides a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with other regional countries competing.
He requested that the athletes compete while adhering to the code of true sportsmanship, meaning all rules and regulations are respected and etiquette is abided to at all times to create a good impression.
Mr Sudawan concluded his comments by thanking all organisations that have supported the Thai Para team, especially the Thailand Paralympic Committee, the four national disabled sports associations and the SAT.
Dr Kongsak explained that a total of 307 Thai athletes will be competing in 22 different sports in Hangzhou, while there are 184 coaches and support staff travelling as part of Team Thailand.
The official opening ceremony of the 4th Asian Para Games will be held today at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, otherwise known as the Giant Lotus Stadium, which has a capacity for more than 80,000 spectators.
The closing ceremony will take place at the same venue next Saturday.