Bonn, Germany – Last Tuesday, Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin has been elected as the President of the newly formed Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) at its inaugural General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The APC was established to replace the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) Federation and the Asian Paralympic Council, which were both officially dissolved on November 27. The APC now aims to extend the concept of centres of excellence for Paralympics throughout Asia, to strengthen and further develop the level of sport for persons with a disability in the region and to foster the collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Asian Paralympic Council was established on October 30, 2002 in Busan, South Korea, sets itself to be the Paralympic Power of Asia within the next 10 years (2002-2012). In 2006, the Asian Paralympic Council was replaced by new Asian Paralympic Committee whose members were directly elected by the APC General Assembly.

Under the governance of Paralympic Committees of Asia and Oceania, promotion of sports for persons with disabilities in FESPIC region greet a new stage.However, the Regional Games in Asia will take over the history of FESPIC Games thus it will be held as the 10^th Asian Para Games. It is hoped that those engaged in the promotion of sports or welfare of persons with disabilities in this region continues to advance, with the history and philosophy of FESPIC on their mind.

The 10^th Asian Para Games is to be held in Guangzhou in 2010. (The End)