Indonesia will make history from the 18th to October 26, 2008, when it hosts the first games of beach Asia in the world. Bali will become the venue of this international event which will see 45 countries participating with more than 10000 athletes, officials, media and all volunteers who come to the Island of the Gods for this world-class event.
At a press conference held in Puri Santrian Hotel in Sanur, President of The National Olympic Committee of Indonesia (Koni), Ibu Rita Subowo officially announced and informed the press about the ongoing preparations for the 2008 Asia Games beach, marks the largest event ever hosted in Bali.
"Through the Beach Games Asia 2008, Bali will become the focal point of Sporting Tourism in Asia. In addition to strengthen Bali as one of the known tourist destinations in the world, but also the independence of Indonesia as a of the major sporting nations in Asia. "He said the Governor of Bali, Dewa Made Beratha BPK.
IBU Rita Subowo added: "It's a great honor for Indonesia to be selected to host this historic sporting event. Bali is the perfect place for the Games of Asia and beach as this event is the first of its kind in the world, Indonesia is ready to show the world our true hospitality by welcoming all athletes, officials and everyone involved in our great country to witness the spirit of the Beach Games Asia 2008. We are confident that all people attending were impressed and hope to leave a lasting impression in the minds of everyone. "
More than 50000 people are expected to support the countries participating in 13 sports will compete for the first time this case commissioned by the Olympic Council of Asia. The areas of Kuta, Sanur, Serangan Pulau, Tanjung Benoa Jimbaran and have been selected to serve as the headquarters of each sport. Beach Volley Ball, surfing, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, Takraw Beach, Beach Hand Ball, beach football, Para Gliding, Dragon Boat Racing Triathlon, Marathon Swimming, and the new sports are wooden ball sports that will be competed on.
The Beach Games in Asia is a multi-sport event held every two years among athletes representing countries in Asia. The games celebrate cooperation and unity despite differences where athletes from a wide variety of nations are able to travel, meet new people, and bring back memories for the rest of the world to their nations of origin. The Beach Games in Asia forge unity and friendship among its member nations to join the athletes, coaches and officials together.
Many beach international sporting events are organised each year in Bali. But games such as beach games in Asia, requires a specific plan with the participation of concentrated efforts governmental and non-governmental sectors for its success. To address these diversified activities, in Asia Bali Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC) was formed in March 2006.
BABGOC, under the sponsorship of Koni and the city of Bali, in close cooperation with the Government of Indonesia, is working diligently to meet the schedules and expectations of preparation stage and sustainably exploit Beach Games in Asia, leading to a long-term legacy.
"We also hope to raise awareness of youth in Indonesia and sports enthusiasts and those across Asia through improving the quality of life, instill pride and achievement of international prestige and recognition through sports beach. " Said Ibu Rita Subowo, chairman of Koni.
