A total of 17 countries have registered as participants in the international paragliding competition held in Agam Regency, West Sumatra from May 5 to 8, 2017.
Head of Agam Youth Tourism and Sports Office, Hadi Suryadi in Lubuk Basung, Tuesday, said paragliding athletes from foreign countries who had registered such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Singgapura, Vietnam, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany.
“This is based on data obtained from the central committee a few days ago. It is likely that the number of countries registering will increase ahead of the implementation,” he said.
For the number of participants, he added, his party has not received data from the central committee.
Currently, he said that his party has made preparations for the take-off location in Puncak Lawang, Matur District and the landing location in Bayur, Tanjung Raya District.
“The location of the ‘take off’ and ‘landing’ is ready and only the formation of the district committee is left. We are targeting the formation of this committee in the near future,” he said.
This international paragliding competition was carried out thanks to the collaboration of the Agam Regency Government with the West Sumatra Federation of Aero Sport Indonesia (FASI) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
All expenses for activities and prizes come from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. While the location of responsibility of Agam Regency.
“We hope this activity runs well and smoothly,” he added.
He explained that this international paragliding competition is in order to promote tourist attractions in Agam, so that the number of tourist visits to Agam will increase.
In 2016, the number of visits was 560 thousand people, in 2015 as many as 486 thousand people and in 2014 as many as 443 thousand people.
“This year, we are targeting the number of visits of 600 thousand people. Hopefully this target will be achieved later,” he said.
In addition to increasing the number of visits, this activity also aims to improve the community’s economy because during the competition there will be traders and transportation services.
Source : Antara
