National Chess Instructor: 4th ASEAN Para Games

Sa-wat-dee-ka! One of famous greeting in Thailand. It means hello. Now, everyday I have to use the word to greet people. I’m in Korat, Thailand from 17th to 27th January 2008 representing Malaysia as a coach from Malaysian Chess team. I’ll introduce all the manager, chief coach, coaches and the players later. The 4th ASEAN Para Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand from 20th-26th January 2008. (For official web please go to http://www.2007paragames.com/eng/Home/tabid/91/Default.aspx )

The only place in the world where birds playing chess!! A nice logo.

The ASEAN Para Games is a biannual multi-sport event for atheletes with physical disabilities held after every Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Participants in the Games are the member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN). The ASEAN Para Games is under the regulation of the ASEAN Para Sports federation (APSF). The games are hosted by the same country where the SEA Games took place.

4th ASEAN Para Games theme concept: FRIENDSHIP, EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY

Logo:

The emblem of ASEAN Para Games is inspired by Chumpol Gate, a precious historical place of Nakhom Ratchasima.

On the emblem is the image of Chumpol Gate which stands for victories. It also represents the exquisite and delicate Thai arts and cultures. The curvy blue and red lines represent flags leading the atheletes who are marching into the stadium with eager and happiness. The lines, however, imply the base of Chumpol Gate also.

The logo of ASEAN Para Sports Federation is placed in the center of the emblem. It represents the participants who come from many different countries with the same ambition of friendship.

Mascot of the 4th ASEAN Para Games:

Nok-Kao Karom, one of the symbol of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is selected to be the mascot of the 4th ASEAN Para Games. KAROM represents the main theme. Smart, wise, cheerful, vibrant, talkative, gentle, and friendly are Karom’s personality.

17th January 2008

We depart from Putrajaya to KLIA at 9 am. Around 11.15 we reach the KLIA and check in the luggage, then at 12.30 noon flight check in. Around 3 pm arrive at Bangkok airport, and move to Khorat. Lastly after a small accident by one of the bus from the malaysian contingent, and stopped almost half an hour we managed to arrive at atheletes’ village, Suranaree University around 12.00 mid night. What a tiring journey! Malaysia Boleh!

18th January 2008

Breakfast around 7.00 a.m, 9.30 a.m all players, coaches and manager go to classification center to define the disability of an athlete and classify their category. After the classification check, we tak e a rest and at 1.30 p.m go to lunch/break . 2.30 p.m is a free time. Some of players use to sleep, washing clothes and training chess. 5.30 p.m some of players went out to Khorat town (bigger than Alor Setar, Kedah). 7.00 p.m everybody at hostel and we meet each other at dining hall. 8.30 p.m training session.

Pictures of Malaysia ASEAN Para Games Chess Team to Khorat, Thailand 2008.

Chess team to ASEAN para Games, Khorat Thailand.
Standing from left: Min Wang, Mahathir, Mai Lam, Norain, Feiqha, Moiera, Heng Meng, Hasidin, M. Fadli, Cikgu Kelana, Shaharuddin, Cikgu Shamsuddin.
Sitting from left: Cikgu Asmah, Mah Hassan, Dato' Aminah, Latiff, Hea King, Hashim

A picture of lovely couple. Dato Aminah (Team manager) and Mr latiff ( Chief Coach).

The first meeting conducted when we arrive at khorat at midnight. I feel so tired. Everybody is the same, all tired.

A welcome from Suranaree University of Technology where ASEAN Para Games take place.

Athlete hostel. 3 person in a room. Comfortable and for the time being I never heard any complaint yet from others.

Malaysian contingent dress schedule.

The 2nd day, 18th january is classification day for chess players. The last day of clarification is on 19th january. Luckily all chess players pass the clarification.