ID :
25410
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 13:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/25410
The shortlink copeid
PRESIDENT OPENS FIRST ASIAN BEACH GAMES
Nusa Dua, Bali, Oct 18 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the first ever Asian Beach Games (ABG)
in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue compound in Nusa Dua on Saturday night.
In his address, the president said the event which brought together about 1,500 athletes from 45 countries would serve as an important moment to celebrate the friendship of mankind.
"What you are doing here reminds us that the spirit of humanity cannot be broken," he told the audience.
The athletes' participation in the nine-day event reminded people of the essence of struggle that must be waged for the benefit of mankind's togetherness and glory, he said.
"That's why I see this ABG as an agent of the broadening of human harmony. This is an antidote to the 'poison' the conflict of civilizations represents," he said.
The first ever ABG was also important because it was illumating the path for Asia's resurgence. "The 21st century, I believe, will be the Asian century," he said.
"More and more Asian nations will move toward prosperity in this century. More and more Asian cultures will emerge to penetrate the labyrinth of globalization. And this will be Asia's resurgence in all sectors -- diplomacy, economy, technology, arts and, of course, sports," he said.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, concurrently chairman of the event's steering committee, Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs Widodo AS, State Minister for Youth and Sports Adhyaksa Dault, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Communication and Information Minister M Nuh, Tourism and Culture Minister Jero Watjik, National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.
in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue compound in Nusa Dua on Saturday night.
In his address, the president said the event which brought together about 1,500 athletes from 45 countries would serve as an important moment to celebrate the friendship of mankind.
"What you are doing here reminds us that the spirit of humanity cannot be broken," he told the audience.
The athletes' participation in the nine-day event reminded people of the essence of struggle that must be waged for the benefit of mankind's togetherness and glory, he said.
"That's why I see this ABG as an agent of the broadening of human harmony. This is an antidote to the 'poison' the conflict of civilizations represents," he said.
The first ever ABG was also important because it was illumating the path for Asia's resurgence. "The 21st century, I believe, will be the Asian century," he said.
"More and more Asian nations will move toward prosperity in this century. More and more Asian cultures will emerge to penetrate the labyrinth of globalization. And this will be Asia's resurgence in all sectors -- diplomacy, economy, technology, arts and, of course, sports," he said.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, concurrently chairman of the event's steering committee, Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs Widodo AS, State Minister for Youth and Sports Adhyaksa Dault, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Communication and Information Minister M Nuh, Tourism and Culture Minister Jero Watjik, National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.
