1st Asian Beach Games declared a success

OCA votes to leave lasting legacy in Indonesia

SANUR, Bali, Indonesia – The 1st Asian Beach Games in Bali have opened to remarkable success and have received praise from around the world. In a press conference today, 23 October 2008, Rita Subowo, President of the Indonesia Olympic Committee as well as Director General of the Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC), commented on this success and discussed the future of the Games.

“It is through the spirit of these first Asian Beach Games that we are promoting sports, culture and education,” Subowo said. “These Games were the brilliant idea of the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia), and the people of Bali have been very supportive and have embraced the Olympic Movement.”

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah were both in attendance for the Opening Ceremony and at several of the competitions. In individual meetings, both leaders met with Subowo to congratulate her, the Indonesian Olympic Committee and all of BABGOC on the successful delivery of the Olympic spirit to Indonesia and the island of Bali.

“They were impressed and have declared the 1st Asian Beach Games a success,” said Subowo of her meetings with Rogge and Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. “The Sheik spoke of how proud they are of the volunteers. This is a good sign for everyone moving forward. These Games have provided an education in international relations to many in Bali, Indonesia and Asia.”

The OCA unanimously awarded the first Asian Beach Games to Bali, in part to assist with the island’s recovery program following recent terrorist attacks. By hosting the Games, Bali is welcoming the world, boosting the economy and introducing new tourism.

“Bali belongs to the world,” Subowo said.

Indonesia last hosted an international multi-sport competition in 1962 in Jakarta with the 4th Asian Games. Now, 46 years later, the country has staged the first Asian Beach Games.

The Bali Games will leave a lasting legacy on the island and throughout Indonesia. At the 27th OCA General Assembly on Tuesday, 21 October 2008, the Council unanimously declared that the flame for all future Asian Beach Games will originate from the eternal flame at Mrapen in central Java, Indonesia. The flame will be relayed to Bali then on to the host city.

The Games have also introduced new sports to a new generation, providing more opportunities for young people to participate. Additionally, the idea of a Beach Games has inspired others. Uruguay will serve as host to the first South American Beach Games in summer 2009.

“We thank the OCA for their vision of these Games,” Subowo stated. “We also thank the IOC, the sport federations, the Indonesia and Bali governments, sponsors, athletes, officials and the Bali people for the continued support and success of these first Asian Beach Games.

“We believe we have truly ‘Inspired the World.’”