Web posted at: 6/7/2008 5:3:5
Source ::: The Peninsula / by Raynald Rivera & Huda NV  |
| Children display their skills in martial arts during the opening of a sports competition at the Indonesian Embassy yesterday. The event marked the launch of celebrations for Indonesia’s Independence Day, which falls on August 17. (ABDUL BASIT) |
Doha • The Indonesian Embassy yesterday launched a sports tournament marking the start of events leading up to the 63rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
"The Independence Day of Indonesia will be celebrated on August 17. Today, we are having the opening ceremony of the sports competitions because it is common in Indonesia that people celebrate, conduct fiestas, sports competitions, cultural activities, and other events," Indonesian Ambassador Rozy Munir told The Peninsula.
"We are conducting sports competitions as one of the highlights of our Independence Day celebrations because sports promote camaraderie and Indonesians are good in sports," Arifina Eka Sari, Third Secretary at the Indonesian Embassy, said.
"This kind of celebration has been going on since the Indonesian Embassy was established in Qatar in 1999," she added.
The activity started with the opening of a food bazaar that showcases Indonesia's culinary diversity.
A gong was struck and balloons and doves were released to signal the kick-off of the sports tourney.
Children displayed their martial arts skills in a performance that amused the audience. The event culminated with the first volleyball match of the tourney.
Eighteen Indonesian teams representing various companies in Qatar are participating in the sports competitions in varied disciplines, including volleyball, badminton, tennis, dominoes, bowling and table tennis.
"Aside from sports competitions we are also conducting blood donation, visits to labour camps and other community programmes," Sari, the Third Secretary, explained.
A local Indonesian band entertained visitors throughout yesterday's ceremony.
Ambassador Munir said the National Day celebrations will climax on August 17 with a flag raising ceremony and reading of the text of the Declaration of Independence.
"Because of the high temperature in Qatar in August, I'm moving the diplomatic celebration for the Indonesian National Day to October 9. In addition, we will also show some Indonesian films," he added.
In a message to the Indonesian community in Qatar, Ambassador Munir said: "Let us respect our beloved country Indonesia and maintain Indonesia's motto, 'Unity in diversity'. Whatever our language, culture, religion or ethnicity is we are one Indonesian Republic. We should also respect Qatar because Indonesia and Qatar now are coming closer due to a good political, economic and cultural relationship. We will work hand in hand towards better cooperation."
The events are being organized with the support of the Association of Indonesian Community in Qatar.
Team Publikasi Permiqa
