Organisers are hoping to draw some 5,000 athletes to compete in 13 aquatic and beach events such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing, beach soccer, beach volleyball, marathon swimming and triathlon. The Games will take place in venue clusters along the Bali beaches of Kuta, Sanur, Serangan, Benoa Harbour and Jimbaran.
"A total of 45 Asian countries will take part in the Games based on their commitment at the 6th Asian Winter Games in Cancun" reported Rita Subowo, President of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee.
The Asian Beach Games will be held biennially and joins the Asian Summer, Winter, Indoor and Regional Games, of all which are sanctioned by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Mr. Husain Al-Musallam commented "Bali was appointed unanimously without a bidding process and whilst there were four other countries that were interested in hosting the 1st Asian Beach Games, the Olympic Council of Asia selected Indonesia to empower Bali's image as a leading tourist and sporting destination and help further accelerate the nation's development".
Rita Subowo further added "It is a huge honour for Indonesia to have been chosen as host to such a historic sporting event. Bali is the perfect location for the 1st Asian Beach Games and we are ready to show the rest of the world our true hospitality and welcome all participants to our great country".
With preparations well underway, BABGOC has recently launched its new brand identity for the Games. The logo has been designed to resemble an image of the gate to the Balinese house of worship, signifying the hospitality of Bali in honouring and welcoming people from all over Asia. The logo incorporates water, sun and sand elements, which capture the essence of the sporting event whilst combining the brand imagery of the Olympic Council of Asia.
The cost of staging the event is estimated at over Rp. 300 billion. The Games will be strongly funded by the Indonesian Government. The event is also expected to attract large interest and support from the private sector. Promoseven Sports Marketing (PSM), the Official Worldwide Marketing Agent of the OCA will manage the commercial marketing programme, bringing experience which spans both the Asian Games and Asian Indoor Games in Bangkok, Macau, Doha and Guangzhou.
After Bali, the next event will be held in Oman in 2010, China in 2012 and the Philippines in 2014. Last week, Thailand lodged its bid to host the event in 2016.
