According to the Ministry
of Tourism and Sports, during the period, the Ministry has constructed
provincial stadiums in seven provinces, namely Maha Sarakham, Sa Kaeo, Sakon
Nakhon, Phetchabun, Amnat Charoen, Samut Prakan, and Narathiwat. At district
level, stadiums were also constructed in 21 districts nationwide.
Numerous sports centers and
buildings have been built, as well. The Ministry has encouraged people with
disabilities to play sports and join sports events at all levels. Since the
start-up of the implementation of the second National Sports Development Plan,
1997-2001, a particular focus was added on the development of sports for all in
“the special groups,” such as the disabled, senior citizens, and ethnic groups.
The Government and the
private sector have joined forces in providing sports facilities and designing
sporting and recreational activities to fit each group, especially the
disabled. The promotion of sports for persons with disabilities helps the
public to deepen their understanding for this special group.
The Ministry of Tourism and
Sports assigned the Sports Authority of Thailand to be responsible for
promoting and supporting sports through strategies of sports development for
excellence and sports development for professionalism, with the application of
sports science and technology.
The Sports Authority of
Thailand initiated the National Disabled Games in order to promote health among
persons with disabilities, improve their quality of life, and achieve
excellence in sports. These games also help build and select capable athletes
to represent the Thai national team in international sports events for the
disabled, such as the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Para Games, and Paralympic Games.
Any province selected to host the National Games is required to host the
National Disabled Games, as well. Categories of disability allowed to join the
games include brain, vision, hearing, intellectual, physical, and spinal cord
disabilities, and poliomyelitis.
The Thai government has
attached importance to promoting and developing national sports, as it realizes
that, for the country to progress well, the quality of people and their
potential must be developed consistently in all areas. Exercising and playing
sports on a regular basis are effective ways to develop humans by keeping them
fit physically, with a self-disciplined approach and a sense of sportsmanship,
dedication, and unity.
Striving to become one of
the leading sports nations of Asia, Thailand has promoted sports at every level
so as to be accessible to the population at large and reach international
standards. The need for development of sports personnel was also highlighted,
so that their performance will meet international requirements.
(thailand.prd.go.th)
