President Praises Asian Beach Games 2008

SANUR (10/26/08) - Indonesia is definitely the overall champion in Asian Beach Games 2008, but President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated Indonesia still got much more to accomplish and that the victory is just a start of even harder competitions ahead. The message was expressed through a teleconference in the Press Conference Room, Inna Grand Bali on Saturday (25/10). "On behalf of Indonesia, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and congratulation to all the athletes for their great achievement in this first ABG. Please use this success as a motivation to awake spirit and good will to reach greater heights. We will have to try our best in Sea Games 2011 event and improve our achievement in the Olympic games," the President said. Furthermore the President reminded the athletes to stay focused for the next day’s competition and the closing as well, in order to keep the good image to all visitors so that they can bring home great impressions about Indonesia to come back again someday. At the same time, Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC) Director Rita Subowo reported to the President the results of the ABG on the eighth day. On her report Rita stated that 25 countries had won all the medals and Indonesia ranks first with 22 golds, eight silvers, and 18 bronzes. Meanwhile, Thailand stays second with nine gold. Today, Sunday (26/10), she expects that the closing ceremony can run well and smoothly. "The ceremony will start at 8 pm, and I hope it runs well." Rita said in closing. (bali2008.com)