PHNOM PENH: The 12th ASEAN Para Games will be inaugurated with a grand opening ceremony on June 3, which is said to be just as impressive as the opening ceremony of the SEA Games, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen. In fact, he promised even more fireworks this time.

Speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a bridge in Russey Keo this morning, the PM praised Cambodia’s warm welcome to SEA Games athletes last month. He wants the Para Games athletes’ welcome to be even better. He urged people to continue their enthusiastic support for the talented disabled athletes, both national and international, who grace Cambodia with their presence.

"We support our disabled people. We encourage persons with disabilities within our ASEAN framework to succeed," he said.

The Philippine delegation for the Games arrived in Cambodia at 1 pm on May 31. That same morning, 250 Indonesian delegates also arrived to prepare for the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which will take place from June 3-9. Sports delegates from several other countries are expected to arrive over the next few days.

Cambodia will play host to ten other countries with a total of 2,692 delegates participating in the Games. Thailand is sending the largest delegation with 629 coaches, athletes and admin. Indonesia follows with 580, Cambodia with 343, Malaysia with 290, the Philippines with 272, Singapore with 131, Vietnam with 164, Myanmar with 131, Laos with 89, Brunei with 31 Timor-Leste with 31.

In three days, Cambodia will celebrate the opening of the 12th ASEAN Para Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.