SPEECH BY

MAJ GEN OSOTH BHAVILAI
President
ASEAN PARA Sports Federation (APSF)
at Torch Lighting Ceremony 12th ASEAN PARA GAMES 2023

21 March 2023
ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

His Majesty KING NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of Cambodia

Samdech Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,

His Excellency General TEA BANH, Deputy Prime Minister and President of CAMSOC/CAMAPGOC

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good morning and a warm welcome to everyone!

1. It is indeed a great honour to be part of this milestone event to mark the staging of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games Cambodia 2023. Making it more historic, today’s official Torch Lighting Ceremony specially held at this world-famous historical site Angkor Wat will be etched forever in our hearts as Cambodia celebrates the staging of the region’s multi-sport Games, for the first time.
2. On behalf of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) and the ASEAN paralympic community, I extend our sincerest gratitude to His Majesty, King Norodom Sihamoni for the honour of gracing this event this morning.
3. As with the people and whole population of Cambodia, we, the ASEAN Paralympic community are equally excited and look forward to witnessing the 12th ASEAN Para Games, the first to be held in Cambodia’s history.
4. Not only today’s Torch Lighting Ceremony marks another milestone and legacy which signifies the hosts’ commitment, but it also demonstrates and renews the true spirit of friendship which has long been embedded amongst the ASEAN population. It presents the chance for the whole ASEAN people to celebrate, be part and feel the pulse of the Games.
5. The ASEAN paralympic community and sporting fans in general, look forward to the staging of the 12th ASEAN Para Games which officially opens in just 74 days’ time, on 3rd June. Our presence here today is proof of the close collaboration between APSF and the CAMBODIA ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee or CAMAPGOC, to ensure the smooth delivery of the 12th edition of the Games.
6. Once again, I would like to record our sincerest appreciation to His Majesty, the King of Cambodia and the Prime Minister, and all the people of Cambodia, for the great efforts in making today’s event a success, and most importantly, preparing a Games which promotes peace and equality.
7. Let’s live up to the spirit of ASEAN Moving Together in One Voice, work together towards promoting peace and tolerance, in tandem with the Games’ motto of SPORTS: LIVE IN PEACE.
8. On that note, I wish everyone a safe and smooth journey throughout the relay, best of luck and see you in June for the 12th ASEAN Para Games!

Thank You.