Jakarta (VNA) - The 3rd AsianPara Games opened in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta on October 6 with spectacularart performances themed "We Are One".

The opening ceremony started with visual effects of Indonesian traditionalbatik art, followed by a whipping dancer performing a countdown with batikpatterns on the curved screen.

A male dancer in a wheelchair dancedwith a female partner, meaning the harmonious unity of a society that acceptseach other, regardless of their differences, kicked off the marching ofathletes, the center piece of the opening ceremony.

During October 6-13 event, about3,000 athletes from 43 countries and territories across Asia will compete in 18sports, including track and field, swimming, badminton, wheelchair basketball,wheelchair volleyball and chess.

The Vietnamese delegation comprises75 members, including 52 athletes and 11 coaches and caretakers.

They will compete in seven out of 18sports, namely swimming, track and field, weightlifting, chess, badminton,table tennis and judo.
 
Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Paralympic Association VuThe Phiet, head of the delegation, said Vietnamese athletes aim to learn frominternational friends and promote the country’s image at the continentalsporting event.

The delegation is determined to earnoutstanding achievements, particularly in athletics, swimming, andweightlifting, in which Vietnam has gained high results in major internationalcompetitions, he noted.

The Asian Para Games, which followsthe Asian Games (ASIAD) every four years, aims to foster friendship,solidarity, and mutual understanding among regional countries.

At the previous Asian Para Games in2014, Vietnam won nine gold, seven silver, and 13 bronze medals, finishing 10thin the overall medal tally.–VNA