|
"Paralympic athletes' strength of will and hard work are
example for society", 21 April 2007
The participation of the delegation of Timor-Leste in the upcoming
Oceanic Paralympic Championships in Darwin is confirmed after
the private sector in Timor-Leste responded to Prime Minister
Ramos-Horta's appeal.
"Solidarity is a hallmark of our society. The positive answer
I had from the private sector here brings happiness and joy to
our paralympic athletes and coaches, who endure hardship and relentlessly
pursue training all year round", dr. Ramos-Horta said.
"The contribution of these Timorese makes them and their
families proud of their achievement. But first and foremost, it
dignifies our society", the Prime Minister added.
"When it comes to the effort of social integration, strength
of will and hard work pay off. Paralympic athletes are a good
example to follow", he said.
The National Paralympics Committee of Timor-Leste will now send
8 athletes and their 4 coaches to represent our nation in the
paralympic competition of the Arafura Games. The athletes will
be in Darwin from 10 to 21 May 2007.
"The private sector should have an important part in the
efforts of all society to integrate disadvantaged persons in fulfilling
social activity. The response I received is a positive sign and
an example to follow by others", Dr. Ramos-Horta said.
"I feel encouraged that our delegation, though small, has
athletes competing in four different sports. There is a strong
will to excel in whatever they do. They have my committed support
and the support of well wishes of our entire Nation. May they
fully achieve their goals at the Arafura Games", the Prime
Minister added.
Timor-Leste will be represented in Track and Field by athletes
Alcino Pereira, Jacinto Inácio Gusmão e Adolfo Ribeiro;
in Table Tennis by Inês Oliveira Pires e Ignatius Charlos
do Rego; in Wheel-chair Tennis by Domingos Sarmento Soares e Antonieta
Mendonça da Costa, and in Weightlifting by Jacinto de Jesus
Pereira.
As part of the contribution of the Government, Prime-Minister
Ramos-Horta asked the Minister of Planning and Finance to provide
a 'per diem' allowance to each athlete and other members of the
delegation for the duration of their stay in Darwin.
The delegation will have their flights and accommodation costs
fully covered by ConocoPhillips, partner of Timor-Leste in the
Bayun-Undan gas field joint-venture.
Their uniforms are provided by Timorese businessman Rui Manuel
de Castro, through his Dili's Nike Shop company. Grand Tours,
a travel company, contributed to the team's transportation.
|
