[Writting by Natalia Tjahja]Even though our world is being vibrated by a deadly virus, COVID-19, it does not preclude one man's sincerity towards disabled athletes. He still integrates disabled athletes over 43 countries all around the world for the competition in Thailand, IWAS 2020.
He is Mr Chutinant (Nick) Bhirombhakdi, President of the Paralympic Committee Thailand.
On January 31, 2020, at Central Plaza Shopping Center located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, Nick Bhirombhakdi with Wichian Chantharanothai (Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province), Chukiat Singsoong (President of Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King), Thatchanat Thongprakob (Director of Sports Development Excellence) and Natthornorn Indesri (Specialist in promoting and developing the quality of life of disabled people), together announced at a press conference the preparation of hosting IWAS 2020 in Thailand scheduled to be on February 20 – 28, 2020 at the 80th Anniversary Chaloem Phra Kiat Memorial Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
IWAS is International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation. “Marlez”, a cat doll is the mascot for this year. The matches are held in town of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, at Central Plaza Shopping Center, The Mall Shopping Center and Terminal 21 Shopping Center. There are 43 countries participating with more than 1,000 athletes.
However, due to the face that COVID-19 outbreak is getting much more intense therefore IWAS 2020 was decided by the committee to be postponed.
CONTINUE AGAIN
"I am confident that IWAS 2020 which got the new date to be on April 2 – 9, 2020, with over 43 countries confirming to join before the postponement will eventually take place.”, said Nick.
There are 11 sports competition at IWAS : athletics, swimming, cycling, shooting, WC Tennis, WC Basketball, WC fencing, powerlifting, badminton, archery, table tennis.
In each step of Nick, the happiness for disabled athletes is a key.
저작권자 ⓒ선데이타임즈, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지