Singapore, 20 December 2019 – The 10th edition of ASEAN Para Games (APG) sees an unexpected postponement less than a month away from its initial commencement.
The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) issued regrettable news to participants from 11 countries in Southeast Asia after Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) revealed a delay in the release of budget for the biennial competition slated originally for 18 – 24 January 2020. PSC head, Mr Arnold Agustin raised concerns regarding funding and considering that the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) budget has not yet been approved that impacts the acquisition of sports equipment and overall staging of the game. He proposed that the Philippine Paralympic Committee and ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee (LOC) Philippines, headed by Mr Michael Barredo, to postpone the Games to March.
“As such, in pursuit of polished and seamless staging of the 2020 ASEAN Para Games, it is with heavy heart that we recommend that the staging of the games to be postponed and be held at a later date,” Agustin said. Through a letter to the APSF, Mr Barredo announced their acceptance of PSC’s recommendation, “After careful consideration, we are compelled to accept the PSC’s recommendation considering the circumstances that are beyond our control.”
“Despite this, we are determined to deliver and host the APG, and we are hopeful that our member NPCs will understand the present situation, and therefore consider continuing with our biennial competition in March 2020,” he continues.
Mr Kevin Wong, President of the Singapore National Paralympic Council, shares his thoughts on the announcement.
“It’s unfortunate and quite disappointing that the Games is being postponed less than a month away. There had been discussions and planning leading up to the Games, and the host could have highlighted any issues earlier. I believe countries have already committed budget and expense to travel for the Games; any delay would have some financial consequences. In addition, moving the Games to March would affect preparations for the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 and even qualifications for some athletes, who might have to go for other competitions. The decision has been made and we will have to respect it, and plan for the Games in March.”
Mr Eric Tseng, Chef De Mission to the Singapore contingent likewise expressed his disappointment with the postponement of the Games.
“We support the PSC as we understand that hosting such major events is a mountainous task. For such critical decision to postpone the Games, there must be some crucial factors that needs to be addressed first to ensure the well-being and
experience of all athletes at the Games. We hope they could be resolved quickly so all the ASEAN nations could gather together to partake in the Games in celebration of humanity and inclusiveness,” he says.
Mr Tseng adds, “In the meantime, we will work closely with our athletes and coaches to ensure they can re-adjust their training and conditioning to the new Games dates.”
The news came as a surprise to national Para archer and World’s No. 1, Nur Syahidah Binte Alim, “I was surprised when I was informed about the postponement as I did not expect such change within short notice.” She points out that it may impact on the athletes’ training plans especially for those who are trying to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but still optimistic despite the sudden changes.
“However, I strongly believe that the coaches and relevant bodies (i.e. SSI and SNPC) will work together to relook at the training plans and make the necessary adjustment.
While this change does not deter me from delivering my best at the Games, I am also certain that TeamSG athletes will do the same and remain positive”
For this edition of the Games, three designated hubs, namely Manila, Clark and Subic, will serve as hosts for 16 sports: Archery, Badminton, Boccia, Chess, Cycling, CP (cerebral palsy) Football, Goalball, Judo, Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para
Swimming, Para Triathlon, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball. It will now take place 20 – 28 March 2020.
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Total sports count did not include demo sport – Para Obstacle Course
About Singapore National Paralympic Council
Formed on 23 June 2008, the Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) is the only national body recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The SNPC focuses on enabling our elite Para athletes to participate in major games like the ASEAN Para Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Para Games, Asian Youth Para Games and Paralympic Games.
For more information, please visit www.snpc.org.sg. Follow the SNPC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sgparalympics and @sg_paralympics on Instagram.
For media enquiries, please email us at admin@snpc.org.sg.
