Contents

Main News

'Inclusive News

Up Close & Personal

Let the Games Begin!

Main Events

Let's Play Dodgebee

Impressions

Crowd Favorites

List of Winners

Closing Ceremonies

Main News

Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017: A Highly Successful Sports Event for All!

More than 800 participants comprising of persons with autism and their parents and supporters, as well as spectators, from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan trooped to the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) for the highly successful 'Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow' from 7 to 8 October 2017.

Athletes with autism numbering about 300 competed in several inclusive sports, such as swimming, track and field, football, petanque, badminton and native sports. Children with autism also took part in other leisure and recreation activities. Resource persons from Japan also introduced and conducted a workshop on Dodgebee, a sports activity using a soft, disability-friendly disc similar to Frisbee.

The event was organized by the APCD, Japan Foundation and AU-Thai. Event partners include the MSDHS of Thailand, MOFA Thailand, BMA, MOFA Japan, JICA, TICA, AAN, ASEAN Secretariat, Khun Poom Foundation, TRUE Corporation, Charoen Pokphand Group, and Office of the Basic Education Committee.

Gracing the two-day international event were Mr. Akiie Ninomiya (Executive Director, APCD), H.E. A.K.P. Mochtan (Deputy Secretary Geneal, Community and Corporate Affairs, ASEAN Secretariat), Mr. Chusak Janthayanond (President, AU-Thai), and Mr. Taweesak Lertprapan (Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Thailand), among others.

The DIS was held in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Thai-Japan Diplomatic Relations.

'Inclusive News

A Promising Future for Inclusive Sports

The 'Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017' was such a successful event that earned praises from participants and organizers alike. This event brought home the message of the importance and relevance of inclusive sports not only for persons with autism but those with other disabilities. Furthermore, it resulted in the following key outcomes:

1. Mutual understanding and friendship between athletes of autism, their parents and other supporters from Japan, Thailand and Mekong/ASEAN countries through innovative autism-friendly recreation, leisure and sports activities promoted through DIS activities. In line with this, Japan and Thailand are expected to expand its technical know-how of said activities to other ASEAN countries, including Mekong countries.

2. The skills and talents of persons with autism were positively promoted at the DIS with activities as track & field, swimming, soccer, petanque, badminton, Dodgebee flying disc, native sports, among others. The DIS was held in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and the 130th Anniversary of Thailand-Japan Diplomatic Relations in 2017.

3. Networking among autism-related partners in Japan, Thailand and other ASEAN countries was strenghthened through DIS.

4. The general public (local and international) recognized and cheered the athletic performances of persons with autism in various sporting categories via local TV broadcast feeds of social media.

5. Dodgebee (Flying Disc) proved to be a promising sports for persons with autism. The new 'sport for all' needs to be reflected in the 2018 ASEAN Autism Network Congress in Indonesia as a follow-up to DIS 2017. Each ASEAN country and Japan need to band together in including this new sport in their future workshops and trainings.

6. The connectivity, in terms of policy-making and people's exchange in Japan, Thailand and other ASEAN and Mekong countries was strengthened.

7. The outline of the next AAN Congress 2018 in Indonesia has been drafted at the AAN Executive Board Meeting.

A Closer Look at the DIS Games!

The 'Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017' opened on 7 October 2017 with a parade of athletes and their families and supporters at the Bangkok Youth Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Akiie Ninomiya who gave the welcome message; H.E. Dr. A.K.P. Mochtan who delivered the keynote speech, and with opening messages from Mr. Chusak Janthayanond and Mr. Taweesak Lertprapan. A grand ribbon-cutting ceremony followed and participated in by representatives and officials of the Embassy of Japan, JICA, Japan Foundtion, ASEAN, APCD, BMA, AU Thai, True Corporation Co. Ltd., and Charoen Pokphand Group, and followed immediately by group photo sessions by members of the media. The opening ceremonies, attended by more than 800 people from ASEAN countries and Japan, also featured a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) demonstration.

The first sports event to be featured in the two-day affair is the disability-inclusive indoor soccer game between Thailand and ASEAN countries and Japan. This was followed by all sports for all competitions in the afternoon, both indoor and outdoor, including swimming, track and field, petanque, badminton, among others.

Highlights of the second day were professional Dodgebee exhibition games led by dodgebee experts from Japan, as well as native games and sports. The awarding of winners for all competitions took place in the afternoon.

Other VIP guests that graced DIS included the following: Mr. Piroon Laismit, incoming Executive Director, APCD; Mr. Hiroo Tanaka, Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office; Mr. Masato Koinuma, Senior Representative, JICA Thailand Office; Mr. Norihiko Yoshioka, Director General, Japan Foundation, Bangkok; Ms. Haruka Nakajima, Director, Japan Foundation, Bangkok; Mr. Wathana Onpanich, Programme Officer, Japan Foundation, Bangkok; Dr. Kantina Kunchorn Na Ayudhya, Senior Executive Marketing Director; CP All Public Company Limited and True Corporation Public Company Limited; and Mrs. Trungnate Punduangnate, Director of Division of Strategic and Plan Department, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSDHS.

Logos: ASEAN 50th Anniversary, 130th Thai-Japan Diplomatic Relations 2017

Up Close & Personal

It gives me great pleasure to be here and I am really privileged to have been able to follow closely the initiatives by APCD and by the network. I am especially encouraged to see that this event is widely supported not only by government and private sectors. I would like to thank the associations, parents and participants for this very important initiative and collaboration. What we are witnessing today is no less than a transformation. This is a transformation that allows participants to show the world that everyone is equal and especially so in the spirit to excel. This is the essence of this event. It is inclusive. It is important that we transform and convey this story to the world - a story of achievements, of empowerment and of hope conquering fear. I would like to extend my congratulations again to APCD, to the Government of Bangkok, to oour supporters and especially our participants. Let's have a fair play, let's abide by the rules and most important is to have fun in what you do best. I wish everyone good luck. - Dr. A.K.P. Mochtan (Deputy Secretary General, Community and Corporate Affairs, ASEAN Secretariat)

Today is a great day. I deeply respect all athletes with autism for participating in the activities and for their achievements. This event is a symbol of empowerment. I believe in the power of change to promote autism in sports in the ASEAN region. Athletes with autism, their family and supporters have proved that they are capable. You are agents of change not only in Thailand but in all ASEAN countries. Today brings harmony, happiness and unity to all of us. On behalf of APCD and organizers, I would like to express my thanks. You did a wonderful job organizing this event. Thank you. We’d like to express sincere appreciation to JICA, TICA, MSDHS, Japan Foundation, TRUE Corporation and other organizations that have supported this event. The most important appreciation goes to parents, teachers and supporters. We would like to send a message to the Paralympics Committee about the potential of including athletes with autism in future Paralympics. I’d like to express my deep appreciation to volunteers and our medical team. All of us made this epoch-making event today possible. May God bless all of you. - Mr. Akiie Ninomiya (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability)

I would like to welcome you all to the ‘Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017’ for children and young athletes with autism from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan. The AU-Thai greatly appreciates the welcome and great honor from the BMA second governor in declaring the opening of this one-of-a-kind international sports event. This event, being hosted by Thailand for the first time, is a powerful way to make them believe in themselves, raise their self-confidence and develop their potential and skills. I would especially like to say to parents and other family members and supporters to bring this opportunity out and share the message that sports events like these can prepare them for future sports competitions and can greatly improve good family relations. - Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, President, Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU-Thai)

It’s a great honor for me to be part of the organizers of the ‘Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017’ event for all children with autism. This event is an opportunity to connect and forge great relationships with ASEAN countries and Japan in supporting and developing the quality of life of children with autism. This year is the third year that an ASEAN country has organized a sports event that connects persons with disabilities from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan. This is Thailand’s first time to host this event and we would like to support the quality of life of children with autism through events like these.

I would like to express my thanks and we are motivated and committed to the process of developing the quality of life of persons with disabilities, in improving their personalities, and giving them opportunities to develop their skills in sports. We can’t do it by ourselves. We have to unite and coooperate with other organizations and individuals so everyone can learn new skills and benefit them in daily life.

I thank all participants attending this event. Most of all, thank you to Khun Pum Foundation, APCD executive director, ASEAN Autism Network president, ambassador of Japan, Japan Foundation director, True Corporation Co. Ltd., CP Co. Ltd., MSDHS, and the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) for conducting this event. Thank you for the MSDHS for the financial support. - Mr. Taweesak Lertprapan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Let the Games Begin!

Photo gallery of participants and viewers at the opening ceremonies

Photo gallery of athletes, viewers, supporters and VIP guests

Photo gallery of participants and viewers at the opening ceremonies

Photo gallery of participants and viewers at the opening ceremonies

Main Events

Photos of track and field events

Running for Recognition

Track and Field, said to have existed as early as 9th century BC, is a sport that highlights the skills of athletes in running, jumping and throwing. Its name originates from the actual venue of this sport: an oval running track in a stadium plus a grass field in the middle where throwing and jumping events are held. Among the popular track and field events are sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), hurdles and relays.

Photos: Images of youth athletes with autism and their parents and supporters taking part in the track and field events

Photos: Images of youth athletes with autism and their parents and supporters taking part in the track and field events

Photos: Images of young athletes with autism and their parents and supporters taking part in the track and field events

Photos: Images of young swimmers with autism during the swimming competition

Water Power

Swimming is considered one of the top sports for children with autism. Its basic strokes are suitable for persons with autism as they prize consistency and routine. Being a whole body exercise, swimming builds muscle, endurance and lung capacity. Apart from giving individuals lifelong skills and abilities, swimming also facilitates familly bonding.

Photos: Images of young swimmers with autism during the swimming competition
Photos: Images of young swimmers with autism during the swimming competition
Photos: Images of young swimmers with autism during the swimming competition

Let's Play Dodgebee

Dodgebee Game for All

Dodgebee is a water-resistant, ultra-soft disc made from polyurethane and nylon that has been designed to be light and safe for both children and adults, with and without disability. It can even be used safely indoors and does not break easily. Dodgebee was invented in Japan and was inspired by the American Frisbee.

According to Mr. Junichi Kojima, manager of Hero Inc., the manufacturer of Dodgebee, Dodgebee games are very inclusive and everyone, persons with and without disability, will enjoy. "One of the reasons why Dodgebee is great for persons with autism is its simplicity. Dodgebee is not complicated and has simple rules. No one gets hurt, everyone is safe," he said.

Photos: Images showing Japanese experts and resource persons demonstrating how to play Dodgebee

Photos: Images of DIS participants trying out various Dodgebee games

Dodgebee Tryout

Dodgebee games galore! Participants of all backgrounds and ages, with and without disabilities, tried out friendly Dodgebee games. It was love at first throw for them all!

Photos: Images of various Dodgebee tryouts at DIS
Photos: Images of various Dodgebee tryouts at DIS

Tug of War

Calm Amidst Chaos

Believed to have been played in ancient Egypt, Greece and China, the tug-of-war pits two teams against one another in a test of strength. This is played by having both teams pull against each other on opposite ends of a rope. The goal is to bring the rope over to one direction against the force of the opposing team's pull. An example of proprioceptive (relating to stimuli produced and perceived within an organism, especially those connected with bodily position and movement) activity, tug-of-war is said to benefit children with attention or organization problems (i.e. autism, dyspraxia, ADHD) and has a calming effect.

Photos: Images of young athletes with autism playing the tug-of-war at the DIS event

Petanque

Focused Attention

Said to have become popular in the early 1900s in Provence, France, petanque is a form of hollow metal or steel balls (French, boules) that is played by tossing or rolling as close as possible to a small wooden ball known as 'cochonnet' or jack. Petanque's ancient history, however, goes back to ancient times in Greece. This game is played while the player is standing
inside a circle with both feet on the ground. Petanque is normally played on hard dirt or gravel in both public areas (i.e. parks) and indoor facilities called boulodromes. The sport is very popular among children with autism and figures prominently in the movie 'The Giant', a story about a severely deformed person with autism whose life is focused on playing the sport.

It was a happy mayhem at the DIS event with participants having the time of their lives playing familiar, friendly games ranging from musical chairs and chairball to badminton to blindfold relays. Great teamwork and super good fun!

Photos: Participants taking part in the various fun games

Photos: Participants taking part in the various fun games

Impressions

For the Record

There are several points to this event. One is heightened awareness. It’s very important to be inclusive. It is also the aspiration of ASEAN. Second, this is about transformation. We are transforming by demonstrating that persons with disabilities also can perform and have achievements. This is a show of excellence. How do we sustain this project. This is in collaboration of several sectors - the APCD, government and private - sectors and parents association... that is why we have to collaborate with all sectors. - Dr. A.K.P. Mochtan
(Deputy Secretary-General, Community and Corporate Affairs, ASEAN Secretariat)

The DIS produced three impacts today - empowerment, inclusiveness, and unity. Everyone was empowered by athletes with autism who are very capable, cooperative and made us all happy. This is also a successful inclusive sports event that could be included in international sports events in the future such as the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. And in spite of different languages, cultures, sports and religioun, 11 countries worked together and became united.

This echoes the ASEAN community’s principle of a sharing and caring spirit, which was very evident in this two-day event. APCD has been working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, which is being practiced here. Our participants have become agents of change and are the ones effectively promoting an inclusive, barrier-free society for all. - Mr. Akiie Ninomiya (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability)

Philippines

It’s a fun event. My son is always happy. It’s his first time to be here so it’s good exposure for our kids. - Ms. Mary Janette Peña (Executive Director, Autism Society Philippines)

For our kids, one of the things that they can get out of the experience is meeting new friends. They realize that this advocacy is beyond our country. It’s bigger and it encompasses all nations in our region. They feel that sense of community and I love it. Of course, that’s over and above the fact that they got to compete and had their adrenaline running and had fun. - Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz (National President, Autism Society Philippines)

We’re so thankful to our Thai hosts and the APCD for always supporting the ASEAN Autism Network. So expect the Philippines to be there for all the succeeding APCD and AAN events. - Ms. Dang Uy-Koe (Chairman, ASEAN Autism Network and Chair Emeritus, Autism Society Philippines)

Myanmar

Myanmar sent 115 participants, including 39 kids with autism, to DIS. We participated in almost every sport and we won gold, silver and bronze medals. The most important thing is we were able to have our kids participate in this kind of international exposure. This made parents very proud of their children and I thank APCD and the Thai government for organizing this. With this experience, children become more confident and parents learn more from fellow parents, which results in them getting more motivated to train their children in sports. My son developed organizing skills when he started swimming. And these skills he is doing in other areas of his life, such as school. Now before swimming or going to school, he puts everything he needs in his bag. Sports is not only good for health but also for developing skills in organizing and planning. These kinds of events is the best way to organize the autism community and to promote our awareness on autism. - Mr. Nay Myo Naing, Myanmar Autism Association

Brunei Darussalam

I’m here with my children with autism and the first day was really fun because I finally got to see how my students would be in the international game and sports setting. Their biggest high was winning gold and silver for their respective events. We only placed fourth for swimming but it was very good because he did well as a first timer in the competition. The best thing about this event is learning about sportsmanship and dealing with people with other countries and being able to participate. It was such an amazing experience for them. - Ms. Sharifah Adila Surya Malai Hj Abdullah, Deputy Director of Administration, Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei

Thailand

This is a very good opportunity for my son, who loves swimming, to gauge his skills and what he can do in friendly competitions like those featured in ‘Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017’. I am pretty sure that he is getting such a rich experience and wonderful time from participating in events like these and meeting new friends from other ASEAN countries, as well as Japan. - Ms. Nathavee, Thailand

The ‘Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017’ is a great opportunity for children with autism who live in other provinces to play sports, such as track & field, together. Sports activities can connect children around the world. It’s very important, especially for mothers of children with autism, to encourage their kids to do activities outside together with other kids and not keep or hide them at home. - Ms. Auj, Thailand

It is really great that they have organized ‘Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017’ for it gives children with autism in so many countries to join different sports and leisure activities. Playing sports is really good for our children’s health and helps them improve their self-confidence. My son, for example, like swimming a lot and it relaxes him. - Ms. Daranee, Thailand

Crowd Favorites

Photos: Images of young participants at the DIS opening ceremonies

The 'In'(clusive) Crowd

Happy faces, ecstatic smiles, innocent stares, jubilant cheerings... all this and more peppered the two-day 'Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow 2017' in Bangkok, Thailand. Participants from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan, plus their families and friends, had the time of their lives competing and watching, and just having a great time. More importantly, the inclusive international sports event resulted in kinship, friendship, camaraderie and cooperation among nations for persons with and without disabilities. Check these pages out!

Photos: Images of young participants at the DIS opening ceremonies

'The Art of Eight Limbs' Demonstration

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is the national sport and martial art of Thailand. Dating back to hundreds of years, this close-combat contact sport is often explained as 'The Art of Eight Limbs' referring to the fists, elbows, knees, and shins as weapons. Muay Thai has achieved international popularity and recognition in the past several years and is now included in the International World Games Association and the International University Sports Federation.

Volunteers

More than 120 volunteers generously shared their free time and skills to DIS. Our hats off to you, guys! And a big thank you!

Photos of athletes with autism receiving their medals

Meet all our deserving winners who came, played and conquered at all odds!

Photos of athletes with autism receiving their medals

Photos of young athletes with autism during the awarding ceremonies

Photos of young athletes with autism during the awarding ceremonies

List of Winners

TRACK & FIELD

Running

50m/Female (16 & below)

Ms. Benjarat Harirak - Gold (Green - Thailand)
Ms. Benjamai Harirak - Silver (Red - Thailand)

Bronze - Ms. Thidathip Phenglawong (Green - Lao PDR)

50m/Male (16 & below)

Mr. Viruch Sriwongsa - Gold (Blue - Thailand)
Mr. Anonh Dimanyvong - Silver (Red - Lao PDR)
Mr. Rungroj Seukhamram - Bronze (Pink - Thailand)

80m/Female (17 & above)

Ms. Pichayapun Phookaw - Gold (Red - Thailand)
Ms. Rungarun Gunopas - Silver (Blue - Thailand)
Ms. Monica Eii min Ee - Bronze (Red - Brunei)

80m/Male (17 & above)

Mr. Som Buntong - Gold (Pink - Cambodia)
Mr. Goh Qi Hong - Silver (Yellow - Brunei)
Mr. Ly Kimhuar - Bronze (Pink - Cambodia)

Relay Race

4x100m/Male (17 & above)

Gold (Red - Thailand)

Mr. Phanupong Kaewsai
Mr. Siriporn Srisongkhor
Mr. Supawat Jitsawas
Mr. Khunanont Saarakul

Silver (Pink - Thailand)

Mr. Pakhawat Ngaeprom
Mr. Thanawat Chaichitathorn
Mr. Santi Naree
Mr. Chanakarn Romsai

Shot Put

Female (17 & above)

Ms. Phagawan Boontem - Gold (Blue - Thailand)

Male (16 & below)

Mr. Nitit Potavi - Gold (Pink - Thailand)
Mr. Pumvipas Huaykhanthong - Silver (Pink - Thailand)
Mr. Chaimongkol Lekrakchart - Bronze (Green - Thailand)

Male (17 & above)

Mr.Worasak Chuayboon - Gold (Green - Thailand)
Mr. Anukul Buaboon - Silver (Blue - Thailand)
Mr. Takdanai Daokhoksung - Bronze (Red - Thailand)

Long Jump

Male (16 and below)

Mr. Neramit Changpan - Gold (Blue - Thailand)
Mr. Wanthon Pattaramongkong - Silver (Yellow - Thailand)

Male (17 and above)

Mr. Watcharapol Dorchana - Gold (Red - Thailand)

SWIMMING

50m/Male (16 & below, Division 1)

Mr. Cavin Ong Hsu Jian - Gold (Blue - Malaysia)
Mr. Saw Kyi Shwin - Silver (Red - Myanmar)
Mr. Soravith Maneesakprasert - Bronze (Pink - Thailand)

50m/Male (16 & below, Division 2)

Mr. Phanupong Jantharangsri - Gold (Pink - Thailand)
Mr. Min Pyae Sone Moe - Silver (Red - Thailand)
Mr. Phathipol Watthanasri - Bronze (Blue - Thailand)

50m/Female (16 & below)

Ms. Supisra Onsa - Gold (Yellow - Thailand)
Ms Thi Ri Aung - Silver (Green - Thailand)
Ms. Su Mya Too - Bronze (Green - Myanmar)

50m/Male (17 & above)

Mr. Panya Hommalai - Gold (Blue - Thailand)
Mr. Nattanon Piyassaphant - Silver (Blue - Thailand)
Mr. Henry Peeraphol Tikunder - Bronze (Green - Thailand)

50m/Female (17 & above)

Ms. Athida Kochcha - Gold (Blue - Thailand)
Ms Kyi Myat Noe Khin - Silver (Yellow - Thailand)
Ms. Thitaya Panyavanichbaworn - Bronze (Pink - Thailand)

Swimming Relay (4 persons)

50m/Male (17 & above)

Gold

Mr. Hiroto Inoue - Blue (Japan)
Mr. Cavin Ong Hsu Jian - Blue (Malaysia)
Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu - Blue (Vietnam)
Mr. Le Quang Huy - Blue (Vietnam)

Silver - Green (Thailand)

Mr. Angkoon Jongsathapornsook
Mr. Kongpat Phunthajukr
Mr. Panya Hommalai
Mr. Phanupong Jantharangsri

Bronze

Mr. Andi Ranggadewa Pawellangi - Red (Indonesia)
Mr. Thitipas Ittiumnuaychai - Red (Thailand)
Mr. Phukrit Yuphanun - Red (Thailand)
Mr. Jirayuth Siangkong - Red (Thailand)

CHAIRBALL

Male/Unlimited

Gold - Blue (Thailand)

Mr. Supanut Duangmanee
Mr. Panithan Poo-ngern
Mr. Pawich Tewpaiboon
Mr. Baramee Ieamsopha

Mr. Krit Kwaengsopha
Mr. Sarawut Suwanpat
Mr. Kittipot Permthong

Silver - Red (Thailand)

Mr. Salithdaphong Luklaem
Mr. Polpavis Chalermnont
Mr. Wuthipong Sukumarnchan
Mr. Wachira Yukrum
Mr. Chumporn Paanpum
Mr. Phalathip Duangchan na Ayudhya
Mr. Kanasnan Apiwansanong
Mr. Kornpanom Somboon

Bronze - Pink (Thailand)

Mr. Sirisak Wirattana
Mr. Intouch Rungrojsarathit
Mr. Phongthorn Roobtianhom
Mr. Chanasthorn Phongsub
Mr. Songkran Sitthivanich
Mr. Nattakit Sumpao
Mr. Panutthan Janthayanond
Mr. Anusorn Jailom
Mr. Danusorn Ratanadech

PETANQUE

Duo/Male (16 & below)

Gold - Pink (Thailand)

Mr. Kathawuth Visethpong
Mr. Phich Harnkunthod

Silver - Pink (Thailand)

Mr. Chatchai Saejung
Mr. Napatkorn Jindawong

Bronze - Pink (Lao PDR)

Mr. Thavisouk Douangdala
Mr. Inthideth Vaenavongsot

Female (17 and above)

Gold - Blue (Thailand)

Ms. Cholticha Kongritr
Ms. Siriporn Muangparn
Ms. Pornpitcha Takhosit
Ms. Yanisa Laokhetrkit

Silver - Yellow (Thailand)

Ms. Apasiri Srisuwan
Ms. Anutta Supaphunchai
Ms. Orawan Unkong
Ms. Nicha Phokhakorn

Male (17 & above)

Gold - Green-B (Thailand)

Mr. Nanthaphong Wanpenh
Mr. Pongsathorn Kradeejameekorn
Mr. Smart Viriyatharangkool

Silver - Pink (Thailand)

Mr. Chaiwat
Mr. Supares Visethpong
Mr. Methee Udomsuk

Bronze - Green-A (Thailand)

Mr. Sikawas Ratanaburi

Mr. Kunchai Sungboonchu

Mr. Viputh Khumjinda

Closing Ceremonies

All Together Now!

Photos of the closing ceremonies

The spirit of friendship and camaraderie was evident among the international participants in the way they exchanged banter and laughter, in the way they held hands and sang songs together, and in the vibrant way they took selfies and group photos together. The closing ceremonies were not about saying goodbyes, but of saying hello to a new beginning, for further collaboration and cooperation in the quest for empowerment and inclusive development in the world of sports and beyond.

Photos showing the closing ceremonies

Group photos of participants

Acknowledgement

Meet Our Project Partners

Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU Thai)

The Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU Thai) is recognized as a national public organization for persons with autism and their parents by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) and as a standard for persons with disability organization and is guaranteed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

It was established in 1995 by the clubs of autistic parents in the central part of Bangkok and expanded to other provinces at the same time as they were trying to set the clubs as an association. Mr. Chusak Janthayanond has been president since its inception in 1999. Currently, there are parent clubs all over Thailand, and more than 50 provinces are members of the association.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is organized in accordance with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act 1985, to be responsible for the management of the city of Bangkok. It is the sole organization at the local authority level responsible for the well-being of Bangkok residents with some financial support from the central government. The BMA comprises of two main bodies: the Governor and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

The existing institutional framework of BMA is divided into 3 offices 16 Departments and 50 district offices. The office acts as the Secretary to the Governor, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and the Civil Service Commission of the BMA. The Department is responsible for planning, management, supervision, monitoring and evaluation whereas the District Office operates field work. The sixteen departments mostly cover the BMA’s functions specified by laws; city planning, environment, education, strategy and evaluation, public works, social development, health and etc. Each district office also provides services related to the city’s mentioned functions at the district level.

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN)

The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) is a non-profit network established in Bangkok in 2010 through the initiative of the parents’ organizations of persons with autism in the ASEAN region and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It was formally organized during the ASEAN Autism Workshop in Bangkok on 13 to15 December 2010 by representatives from nine countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2016, Singapore formally joined ASEAN Autism Network as an Executive Member.

AAN envisions an inclusive, rights based, and autism friendly ASEAN community. It commits to support, assist, facilitate and enhance autism-related family support groups in collaboration with other stakeholders in the ASEAN region and globally.

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD)

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is a regional center on disability and development. APCD was established in Bangkok, Thailand as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, with the joint collaboration of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Japan.

APCD was endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as a regional cooperative base for its Biwako Millennium Framework for an inclusive society in the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012. ESCAP identified APCD as the regional center on disability for the Incheon Strategy to Make the Right Real, 2013-2022.

Japan Foundation Asia Center

The Japan Foundation is Japan’s principal institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. The Asia Center, established within the Japan Foundation in April 2014, is a specialized unit with the goal to connect people, expand networks, and develop cultural programs across Asia. As the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics lie ahead in 2020, through projects in such diverse fields as music, theater, film, sports, Japanese language education and other academic exchanges, the Asia Center, in cooperation with the Foundation’s overseas offices, pursues and supports various forms of activities between Asian communities.

Accessible for Persons with Disabilities
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability
255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Tel: +66-(0)-2354-7505 | Fax: +66-(0)-2354-7507
Email: info@apcdfoundation.org | Website: www.apcdfoundation.org