The first Asian Para Games (also known as the 2010 Asian Para Games), a parallel sport event for disabled Asian athletes, opens December 12 and closes December 19, 2010, two weeks after the conclusion of the 16th Asian Games. The event will be held in Guangzhou, China.
Approximately 5,500 athletes from 45 Asian member nations are expected to participate in this multisport competition, making this the most comprehensive Asian event as a steppingstone for elite Asian athletes aiming for the London 2012 Paralympics. Competition and training venues plus all other facilities to be used for the 16th Asian Games will be converted to meet the disability-accessible requirements for Asian Para Games athletes, officials, staff and audience.
As the inaugural Asian Para Games for Asia, this event is expected to become the benchmark for all future Asian Para Games. The 1st Asian Para Games is organized by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) in cooperation with the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (GAPGOC).