Pangkalpinang (Antaranews Babel)- Asian Para Games torch really proceeded in Pangkalpinang, on Wednesday, following handing over of the torch from Raja Sapta Oktohari, chairman of the Indonesian Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (INAPGOC) to the Governor of Bangka Belitung, Erzaldi Rosman.
The torch really started from the Golden Bridge and proceeded to Merdeka Park square in Pangkalpinang.
The torch parade also involved national and local athletes with disabilities and government officials as well as legislators.
The parade was enlivened with "barongsai" chinese lion dance and decorated vehicles.
In the afternoon, the torch will be handed over to INAPGOC again and proceed to Jakarta for the opening on October 6, 2018.
Similar to the 18th Asian Games which was co-host by Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra), from Aug 18 to Sept 2, 2018, the Third Asian Para Games is also proceeded with a torch really that tours several cities and districts across Indonesia, such as Solo, Ternate, Pontianak and Medan.
The Asian Para Games 2018 will involve the participation of 2.8 thousand athletes with disability from 41 countries, 1.8 thousand officials, and 500 local and foreign media organizations.
As many as 18 sports to be competed in the event that will last until Oct 13, are basketball, volleyball, fencing, table tennis, swimming, shooting, judo, cycling, chess, weight lifting, bowling, goal ball, badminton, running, archery, boccia, handball, and tennis.
President Joko Widodo had earlier stated that the Asian Para Games athletes, who win medals, will be treated at par with the medalists at the previous Asian Games.
According to INAPGOC, all venues are currently ready for the Asian Para Games 2018 to be host by Jakarta.
"All venues have been made ready for use as most of them are former Asian Games 2018 venues," Director of Sport Division Fanny Riawan stated at a press conference recently.
