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Asian Para Games: Youngsters with disabilities get inspired
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Asian Para Games 2018 logo (INAPGOC/INAPGOC)
T
oo excited, 15-year-old Tegar Hermawan almost fell from his wheelchair as he clapped and chanted “Indonesia” with the rest of the spectators who watched the badminton matches on the first day of the 2018 Asian Para Games at the Istora Senayan stadium in Jakarta on Sunday afternoon.
Sitting in a wheelchair next to him, his schoolmate, Takesha, 13, who also suffers from cerebral palsy, laughed as she held Tegar’s arms, preventing him from falling from his wheelchair.
Tegar, Takesha and seven other students from the Disabled Children’s Counseling Foundation (YPAC) sat courtside to watch the matches.
“I adore sports and always watch on TV. But today is different, I can scream with the others spectators. The athletes look more real for me,” Tegar said as he laughed and clapped with the entire crowd.
In seconds, less than 10 meters from them, Indonesian para badminton athlete Maman Nurjaman scored the winning point to defeat Indian para athlete Manoj Sarkar in two straight games, 17-21 and 15-21.
Tegar looked like he wanted to fly and hug Maman right away, his body shook with excitement seeing Maman punch the air after winning the match.
“He did not sleep at all last night; he is really excited about watching the match at Istora. This is the first time for him, usually we only watch on TV […] I’m glad I could bring him here, it is very important for him to see other people who have a disability like him strive hard to get what they dream of. I hope he will be inspired and know he can also do anything he puts his mind to,” Tegar’s mother, Mariana, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
A row behind Tegar, Louis Bertrand and eight of his schoolmates from Dwituna Rawinala education foundation also chanted to support the Indonesian badminton team. For Louis, being inside the loud and crowded stadium was an amazing experience even though he could not see the court, as he was born blind.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before, I could feel the chairs and all the stadium shaking with roars. This is cool,” Louis said.
His teachers next to him told him what was happening on the court so he would not miss
anything.
“I’ve been in several singing competitions and I always feel nervous about myself every time I go on stage, but being here with these athletes today make me feel braver. I can feel their spirit. I hope I can be braver the next time I’m on stage,” the 13-year old said.
The Indonesian Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (INAPGOC), in cooperation with the Social Affairs Ministry, has provided 5,000 spots for people with disabilities through organizations on a daily basis.
During his speech at the Para Games opening ceremony on Saturday night, the president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, Majid Rashed, highlighted how important the event was for youngsters with disabilities across Asia.
“We want the athletes’ performance to encourage and excite young disabled people across Asia; we want them to believe there is no limit to what they can achieve,” he said.
Therefore, Majid said the Para Games were very important for changing lives and challenging perceptions of disabilities in Asia.
With a population of 263 million, Indonesia is home to 30 million people with disabilities who have struggled against discrimination and a lack of accessibility. It is hoped the Para Games will boost awareness and improve the welfare of people with disabilities.
