Vietnamese athletes Võ Thanh Tùng (centre) and Danh Hòa (right) receive gold and bronze medals in the men's 200m S5 freestyle event at the ninth Para Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. The 10th event has been cancelled. — Photo hagiangtv.vn

 HÀ NỘI — The 10th ASEAN Para Games (APG) in the Philippines has been officially cancelled due to financial restraints.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) decided to cancel the country's hosting of the regional event while postponing all other local tournaments for the rest of this year to save whatever money is left amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While this is disheartening news for our local and ASEAN para-athletes, who have trained and sacrificed so much to represent their respective countries, their health, and safety as well as their coaches, members of their team, and families, remain our top priority,” PPC President Michael Barredo was quoted as saying on sports.inquirer.net.

“We understand that this is a global concern and this is a very difficult decision to do. At this moment, sports must take a back seat to address a greater issue. Altogether, the hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support.”

The PPC plans to discuss the situation with the ASEAN Para Sports Federation and the future of the APG.

“Our hearts and prayers go to our local and ASEAN para-athletes and the entire Paralympic community, and those who have toiled and laboured for the past two years such as our stakeholders, sponsors, business groups, sports advocates, office workers, administrative staff, and countless volunteers who have committed to make the APG a lifelong experience for all of us,” said Barredo.

“We shall continue to develop Para Sports and further the Paralympic Movement.”

The Philippines delayed the biennial event for the first time from January to March due to a lack of cash. It was postponed for the second time to May or June due to the coronavirus. — VNS