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Para athletes from across West Asia were treated to a colourful cultural opening ceremony at Arad Fort earlier in the week as the third Para Games kicked off with a message of ‘love and brotherhood through sports’.
The 10-day West Asian Para Games, which features more than 700 athletes from 11 countries, was inaugurated by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the first deputy chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chairman of the General Sports Authority and president of Bahrain Olympic Committee.
“It was a beautiful ceremony with great activities and such a lovely performance,” said Bahraini Paralympian Roba Alomari, who walked proudly with her squad during the traditional team marches before the Games were declared open by Shaikh Khalid; followed by a glittering performance and light show. The military band performed Bahrain’s national anthem.
“The opening was spectacular, introducing our culture, heritage and traditions to all the para athletes taking part in this major competition,” added Alomari. She has taken part in several events over the years, clinching 25 gold, 13 silver and six bronze. “The flag was carried by our award-winning Amal Al Fardan who is competing in power lifting and athletics. We felt so proud of our kingdom and the ceremony that was put on. In 2024, the Para Games are set to be hosted by the UAE and members of their delegation told us that we have raised the standards high and they have a lot of work ahead of them.
“It is such a beautiful thing that this is happening in Bahrain - not just for us as para athletes, but also for the competitive world. It raises all our heads high. For now, I’m focusing on making my kingdom proud.”
Alomari will be participating in shot put, javelin and discuss and says her contests will be held today (February 23) and tomorrow (February 24).
“I’m excited about my events because my family and friends will be able to watch me compete and cheer me on from the side-lines,” added Alomari, 30, from Hamad Town, who has competed in the UK, the UAE, Kuwait, Morocco, Indonesia, China, Brazil, Oman, Tokyo and South Korea.
Alomari also adored that para athletes participated in the ceremonial performances.
As the teams marched on, supporters shouted words of encouragement.
Arad Fort was lit up by a projector with images displayed on the façade changing to the national colours of every nation as their names were announced.
As reported in the GDN, a moving tribute was paid to each team, including host Bahrain, in one of the performances and a group of children appeared on stage next, dancing to a folk tune before another set of young boys performed acrobatics that left the crowd captivated.
The Games, which include competitors from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE, will be held across four different locations in the kingdom. They will take part in athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, table tennis, power lifting and badminton.
Follow @bahrainnpc on Instagram or visit them on www.npc.bh, for details.
