Deputy Governor of Bali, Prof. Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, received representatives of the Associate of National Olympic Committee (ANOC) led by Secretary General of ANOC Indonesia, Harry Warganegara, at the Living Room of the Deputy Governor of Bali, Bali Governor’s Office, Denpasar, on Monday (Sep 26).

The Deputy Governor who is also the Chairperson of Indonesia Hotels and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of Bali Chapter appreciated the selection of Bali as the host for the ANOC World Beach Games 2023. According to him, it is an honor for Bali because for the umpteenth time it has been trusted to host an international event.

In addition, according to him, holding international events can be a stimulus so that Bali is increasingly recognized as safe by the international community, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the world in the past two years. “Bali, whose economic sector relies on the tourism sector as the main sector, has felt the impact of the pandemic. For two years, we have been in a state of a dead faint, thanks to the international event in Bali making our process faster,” he said on the occasion that morning.

This senior figure of Ubud Palace also added that the ANOC Committee should cooperate with local communities and organizations as well as with students and college students in Bali. He added that people are familiar with events like this, so there is no need to teach them much. “They are very supportive and adaptive. And most importantly, they will always support every event held in Bali,” he added.

At last, the Deputy Governor hoped that the event in Bali will run without significant obstacles, and can provide many benefits, not only for the committee, athletes, but also for the Balinese people. Previously, Harry Warganegara stated that the ANOC World Beach Games 2023 would be held on August 5-12, 2023 followed by the ANOC General Assembly on August 13-15 after being determined at the ANOC General Assembly 2021 in Qatar. The event is planned to be organized on several beaches in Bali such as in the Nusa Dua, Kuta, Jimbaran and Sanur.

He also continued that around 1,500 athletes from 100 countries will compete at the event. According to him, this number does not include the officials who will come. Harry Warganegara predicted that the athletes and officials will not come alone, but most likely invite their families and even supporters, so that you can imagine that on that occasion Bali will return to be busy. In addition, his party also admitted that they would prepare additional programs such as shopping at MSME centers in Bali. “For this reason, we hope that the Bali Provincial Government can provide a reference for centers that can be visited,” he added.

On the other hand, the ANOC party also hoped that good coordination and cooperation can be established in the future with stakeholders, such as government elements, referral hospitals to schools and universities for the needs of volunteers. “Without the support of many parties, especially the Bali Provincial Government, I have confidence this event cannot run well. Moreover, the international committee admitted that they really love Bali and are reluctant to leave Bali. (BTN/015)