KL'09 FOSTER ASEAN SPORTING SPIRIT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- After battling for five days in various
sports, the fifth Asean Para Games (KL'09) came to a close on a high note
despite being held on a moderate scale.

About 1,200 paralympians from 10 countries gave their best efforts in the
events held at 11 venues in the Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and it surrounding
areas) and southern town of Port Dickson.

The theme of KL'09, "Asean Moving Together" will also be adopted at the next
Games to be hosted by Indonesia in 2011.

The closing ceremony, which was officiated by Youth and Sports Minister
Ahmad Shabery Cheek, started with a march-past by 10 contingents.

Thai swimmer Sanit Songnok, who grabbed four gold medals, was adjudged the
best sportsman while Vietnamese swimmer Nguyen Thi Sary, who clinched three gold
medals, was named the best sportswoman.

The Games' flag was lowered and handed over to Indonesian Ambassador to
Malaysia Da'i Bachtiar as the republic would host the next Games in 2011.

After the paralympics' flame was extinguished to mark the close of the
Games, Kuala Lumpur City Hall dancers enthralled the audience before singers
took the stage.

Thailand emerged champions with 157 gold, 75 silver and 57 bronze medals
with Malaysia in a distant second with 94 gold, 81 silver and 71 bronze medals.
-- BERNAMA