It was a sight to behold the inaugural Asian Para Games was declared open last night in a colourful ceremony at the Aoti Main Stadium in Guangzhou, China.

Le Keqiang, Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, declared the Games open in front of 60,000 spectators that filled up the stadium.

The opening ceremony was an emotional one that highlighted the power of love and care for the disabled people.

It started off with a visually-impaired boy named He Yuxuan carrying the Chinese national flag. He, who was escorted by his mother, then handed the flag over to the guards of honour.

Mothers of disabled athletes from different Asian countries sang and cheered for their children as the athletes paraded into the stadium. They also hugged and kissed their children as they passed by presenting flowers and mascots to the athletes.

The athletes parade concluded with Beijing Paralympic wheelchair fencing champion Hu Daoliang holding the China flag.

This is the first time that a multi-sport Para Games is run parallel to the Asian Games.

The FESPIC Games (the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled) was last held in November 2006 in Kuala Lumpur before being replaced by the Asian Para Games.

More than 25,000 volunteers, who have received special training, are to provide assistance for disabled athletes.

An estimated 5,500 athletes from 45 countries are competing in the Dec 12-19 competition.

A total of 19 sports will be contested at the Games archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, cycling, football 5-a-side, football 7-a-side, goalball, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tenpin bowling, volleyball (sitting), wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis.

Ten athletes will be flying the flag for the Sultanate in athletics at Guangzhou.

Alihan Muda, Sibuang Hj Kalong, Hirdan Hj Abd Kadir, Sahri Hj Jumat, John Vianni Anak Chandau and Rosli Hj Hastan will be participating in the men's field events.

Nor Hensan Hj Mataha will be Brunei's lone female warrior in the women's field events.

The national athletes will contest in shot put, javelin and discus throw events in their respective categories.

The other three contestants Razali Subi, Martin Dawat and An Nurhaiyyu Md Yusof will contest in the track events.

Courtesy from Brunei Times