The 32nd Southeast Asian Games may have drawn to a spectacular end, but the countdown is now on for Cambodia to host the 12th ASEAN Para Games.

The second installment of Cambodia hosting a major sports event that is anticipated to attract scores of people from across the region is the ASEAN Para Games, which will see 11 nations compete for gold medals in the biennial competition.

From next week, more than 2,000 para-athletes, officials and guests will start to descend on the Cambodian capital. In the run-up, preparations have already begun, with flags, banners and signages being installed as Para Games volunteers are called to ensure the successful staging of the ASEAN Para Games for the first time in the Kingdom.

The Cambodia ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (CAMAPGOC) is now in full swing, working closely with the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) to ensure that all 14 venues, including E-Sports as a demonstration sport, are being prepared as specified by international technical and athletes requirements.

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The Games will feature 13 sports: Athletics, Para-badminton, Boccia, Chess, Goalball, Football-Seven-a-Side, Football Five-a-Side, Judo, Powerlifting, Para-swimming, Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball.

For the first time, Esports will make its debut in the Games as a demonstration sport.

Since last year, the APSF Secretariat has been collaborating closely with CAMAPGOC and all National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of ASEAN to ensure that preparation in all areas are coordinated accordingly.

In addition to regular virtual meetings, physical meetings between APSF and CAMAPGOC have also been held since the conclusion of the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Solo. “Preparations are in place now,” said APSF Secretary-General Senior Colonel, Wandee Tosuwan.

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This includes the joint APSF-CAMAPGOC Coordination Committee (Co-Comm) meetings, Chef de Mission seminars, Technical Delegates and International Technical Official Meetings, inspection of venues, media and broadcast arrangement, as well as meetings and training courses on classification, medical and anti-doping.

According to Tosuwan, the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia is significant and historical in many ways as it will be the first Para Games to be held in the Kingdom.

She also called for the support of local and international media organisations to promote the Games and be the bridge for athletes to reach out to the masses and sporting fans in the region, and beyond.

She added that CAMAPGOC is also in the process of finalising broadcasting of the 12th ASEAN Para Games, including the live broadcast of competitions, and the opening and closing ceremonies.

“To further promote our equality and inclusivity agendas, we hope the local and various international media including regional broadcasters as well as the social media community around the region would come up and help in further promoting the Games and achievement of athletes,” said Tosuwan.

The Para Games take place from June 3 to 9.

marissa.carruthers@kiripost.com