After intense preparation, ten football players from ISF’s partner organisations flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 9th ASEAN Para Games. It is the first time the players had participated in the event and the first time they had travelled abroad.

The team arrived on 13th September and spent the first three days training. Following the ASEAN Para Games opening ceremony on 17th September, they were classified according to their skill level ahead of the inter-country matches, which kicked off on 18th September.

Six countries took part in the football events: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and Cambodia. The Cambodian team played against Malaysia, Singapore and Myanmar but unfortunately did not win the competition.

“It was a great opportunity for our children with cerebral palsy to be able to join in the ASEAN Para Games, but we had a number of weaknesses,” said ISF coach Makara. “Firstly, the team was formed only two weeks before the trip. Secondly, most of them had never played in a tournament before. Thirdly, their personal situation means they don’t always have enough healthy food and energy to play.”

He continued, “To overcome this in the future, the players need to have sufficient training and attend more tournaments or friendly matches before participating in regional games. So, this was a good experience and will help us to prepare for the next ASEAN Para Games in the Philippines in three years.”

One of the players also shared his impressions of the trip, “Everything was new to me in Malaysia. The streets were huge, the food was great and I made many new friends from different countries. I learned a lot as well because it was the first tournament and competition I had taken part in. I really enjoyed the games and I hope I can participate again next time.”