By Tom Degun

Dato_Zainal_Abu_Zarin_in_Guangzhou_December_2010December 20 – Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin (pictured), the President Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has stated the Asian Para Games must continue to run back-to-back with the Asian Games following the success of both events in Guangzhou in China.


The Asian Para Games, which drew to a close yesterday with a spectacular Closing Ceremony, were formed from the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) which was staged nine times at various locations across Asia between 1975 and 2006.

However, the 2010 competition was the first time the event has been staged at the same location and in the same venues as the Asian Games, which took place last month, and Zarin has stated that this arrangement must be maintained for the benefit of all.

In an exclusive blog for insideworldparasport, the APC President said: "The Asian Paralympic Committee is determined that the Asian Para Games runs back-to-back with the Asian Games not just here in Guangzhou, but in cities across Asia for years to come.

"It's not just the athletes and officials who benefit from this arrangement but the host city and country too.

"When you spend years of planning and invest heavily like Guangzhou has done to stage these Games, you want to have two Games for the price of one.

"Why stage just one Games when you can have a month long festival of sport which manages to unify so many different people from different backgrounds as one?

"By staging two Games in just under a month, Guangzhou has ensured that the eyes of millions of people around Asia and the world have remained firmly upon the city.

"I am confident they will have been as equally as impressed as I have been."

Zarin also took the opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to Guangzhou for staging a superb event and added that Incheon in South Korea now have a big act to follow when the host the next Summer Asian Para Games in 2014.

"Guangzhou staged a great Games and I'd like to thank them from the bottom of my heart," said the APC President.

"The hard work now starts for Incheon in South Korea in 2014."

To read the full blog click here.

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