Whenever the State flag is raised and the national anthem played in the games, it means deservedly honouring the victorious athletes for securing the gold medals. Hence, it is necessary to put the endeavours, perseverance and sporting spirit of the Myanmar athletes on record in the 11th ASEAN Para Games.
In the 11th ASEAN Para Games, the Myanmar sports team stood sixth with 14 gold, 12 silver and 17 bronze medals, totalling 43. The WHO stated that some 15 per cent of the global population are disabled. Hence, it is necessary to emphasize the rights of persons with disabilities.
As persons with disabilities are also humans, they have to be physically and mentally healthy. All global people need to encourage them to raise their mental power with full confidence.
A survey on four kinds of disabilities in the 2014 census showed some 2.3 million people are disabled, accounting for 4.6 per cent of the total population. Upholding the four cardinal virtues, Myanmar people need to accept the issues of persons with disabilities as the issue concerned the whole Myanmar society.
It is necessary to give a chance to persons with disabilities for showing their brilliant skills so as to uplift their prestige shoulder to shoulder with other people in society.
Myanmar stood third in the first ASEA Para Games with 77 medals in 2001, fourth with 47 medals in 2003, 5th with 46 medals in 2005, sixth with 51 medals in 2008, sixth with 40 medals in 2009, 6th with 34 medals in 2011, 5th with 34 medals in 2014, 6th with 62 medals in 2015 and 6th with 43 medals in 2017.
It can be seen that these sports records showed that Myanmar athletes are disabled but capable, uplifting the prestige of the State. Myanmar athletes secured 14 gold medals in the track and field and swimming events, 12 silver in track and field swimming and weightlifting events and 17 bronze medals in the track and field, swimming, weightlifting, archery and football events.
In accord with the declaration prior to the competition of the Myanmar team, the State decided to present K1,006 million cash awards to victorious athletes, coaches and managers for their excellent performances in the para games.
Hence, they have to pledge for making greater efforts to be able to secure more medals in the coming 12th ASEAN Para Games to be hosted by Cambodia from 3 to 9 June 2023 as part of paying a debt of gratitude to the State.
Hence, they have to pledge for making greater efforts to be able to secure more medals in the coming 12th ASEAN Para Games to be hosted by Cambodia from 3 to 9 June 2023 as part of paying a debt of gratitude to the State.
