Guangzhou, China - The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organising Committee (GAPGOC) signed the host contract for the 2010 Asian Para Games on the 7^th November 2008.

Approximately 5,500 athletes from 45 member nations are expected to participate in these multi sports competition.

The signing ceremony was held in the Canton Hotel between APC President, Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, Mr Jia Yong, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of NPC China and Hon. Mr Xu Ruisheng, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou. The occassion was witnessed by all our APC Board of Executive who were present.

"This contract is an important step towards the success of the 2010 Asian Para Games," said APC President Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin." With only two years remaining, GAPGOC has a great deal of preparation and challenge ahead." 19 sports will be featured in the 2010 Asian Para Games in the same venues proposed for the Asian Games. This sports also will be sanctioned by IPSF. Among the sports are: Athletics, Boccia, 5-a side Football, 7-a side Football, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Archery, Badminton, Wheelchair Fencing, Cycling, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Rowing, Shooting and Ten Pin Bowling.

"The APC is confident that the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou will be a tremendous success," said Zainal. "We are enjoying an excellent relationship with the Organising Committee. The Guangzhou Disabled Person's Federation (GZDPF) had made a huge effort for the success of this signing ceremony. He added, " GZDPF, NPC China and Guangzhou Municiple Government had made a remarkable contribution in promoting this Asian Para Games and promise to deliver a succesful para games in 2010 in accordance with the standard set by APC.

President Zainal also added, "Since this is the first Asian Para Games for Asia, it is expected to benchmark for the future Asian Para Games".

The aim of GAPGOC is to stage unique Asian Para Games and further strengthen and promote unity in Asia via the Paralympic Movement by providing excellent conditions for our athletes to compete, delivering a high level of accessibility and maximising media coverage.

APC also concluded succesfully its 3^rd APC Board of Executive committee meeting and other standing committee meetings from 6^th to 8^th November 2008.

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