Malaysia may merge 2017 SEA and ASEAN Para Games

SINGAPORE — After years of being held as separate events, with each Games being staged either a few weeks or months apart from each other, there is a strong possibility that next year’s South-east Asian (SEA) Games and Asean Para Games (APG) will be held together at the same time.

The merger of the two multi-sports events has never been done before, but the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) told TODAY that it could well happen next year when Kuala Lumpur hosts the two Games.

The OCM’s secretary-general, Low Beng Choo, said that Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is willing to consider the proposal, which was submitted by the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) last month.

The combined events would then be called the 2017 Asean Games.

“The proposal has come in, and it is currently being looked into. It is an interesting proposition, and let’s just say that we are open-minded about it,” said Low.

“The decision will ultimately be made by the SEA Games Federation. The OCM, MPC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia will need a series of discussions to work out the details.”

According to Low, there are two reasons why the OCM is keen on the idea. “Merging the two Games can save costs, as we need only one opening ceremony and one closing ceremony for example,” she said.

“But more importantly, doing so will raise the profile and the understanding of para-sports and para-athletes in Malaysia, as well as in the region. The Malaysian government gives a lot of support to para-sports in the country, and we could really lead the way in promoting an inclusive Games in the region come next year.”

While Low admitted the logistics of the merger, such as scheduling of the events, accommodation and travel will not be easy to pull off, she also felt that it is not impossible.

The 2017 Asean Games could take some pointers from the Commonwealth Games, which have featured para-sports since the 2002 edition in Manchester.

While the Singapore Disability Sports Council has not been contacted by the Malaysian sports authorities on this proposition yet, the local para-sports community is excited about the news.

Said Singapore national para-swimmer Theresa Goh, 29, who has been to all eight editions of the APG since 2001, and has made many good friends with Team Singapore’s able-bodied athletes: “I’m really excited about this possibility.

“On a personal level, it’ll be really fun to be able to compete in the same Games as my friends who will be at the SEA Games.

“But more than that, it promotes a sense of integration (between able-bodied and para-athletes).

Added Singapore para-sailor Jovin Tan, also 29: “With para-athletes moving around in the same Games Village and venues of play with our able-bodied counterparts, it will really help in their understanding of us. The crowds that turn up to watch the Games will also get to know us better. It’s a win-win situation for all.”