Sports Spirit Circumvents Political Differences: President

Palembang, S Sumatra (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the spirit of sports contested based on friendship circumvented political differences so that a sport competition could create harmony among nations. "Through this (solidarity games) we are showing to the world that sports can make Islamic countries united and harmonious," President Yudhoyono said when opening the Third Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) at the Sriwijaya Stadium of the Jakabaring Sports Complext, Palembang, South Sumatra, on Sunday evening. Therefore, the President expressed his hope that the games of countries grouped in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would create new spirit in building harmony and friendship among them. "I ask all contingents to renew their commitment to harmony in unity through Islam which brings blessings to the whole world," he said. He added: "being together we can achieve what we want, we want to show to the world the Islamic solidarity and show that Islam taught harmonious life in creating peace and prosperity." President Yudhoyono specifically appreciated the participation of athletes from Syria, Palestine and Egypt in the ISG. The President officially opened the Third Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) at the Jakabaring Sports Complex on Sunday evening. The function which was begun at 8pm local time was attended by Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) President Prince Nawaf bin Faisal bin Fahd, ISG III Chairwomen Rita Subono, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Roy Suryo and South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin. During the opening ceremony which was attended by about 16,000 participants and spectators presented defiles of 44 contingents which were composed of 1,400 athletes and officials. (*)