by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

The event is being organised in conjunction with the Dubai Club for the Disabled whose sports facilities will also host the events; the club is well known in the region and the facilities have been used for various para sport events in the past.

At a Press Conference held earlier this year Mohammed Al Hameli, Chair of the Organising Committee and newly elected member of the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board, alongside Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, were both present.

“Dubai is ready to welcome these young athletes from all over Asia and to provide them with the right environment to compete and test themselves against their peers. We are grateful for the support of the United Arab Emirates Government in driving the Paralympic movement forward.” Mohammed Al Hameli

“Our vision is to make Asia a leading Paralympic nation. To do this, we need to make sure that Asia’s young para athletes have competition structures in place to help them develop into the Paralympians in the future. This event is a crucial part of our strategic plan. I’m delighted that Dubai is proving to be such an ideal host with United Arab Emirates Government and the Dubai Club for the Disabled support.” Majid Rashed

The Games will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The organising committee is a collaboration of the Asian Paralympic Committee and the Dubai Club for the Disabled.