In the spirit

In the spirit

The National Games (PON) may register nary a blip on the international sporting radar, especially during an Olympic year.

But the fact that few world records will fall has failed to put a damper on celebrations in the South Sumatra capital of Palembang, which is hosting the Games for the first time.

A total of 6,000 athletes and 3,000 officials from 30 of the country's 32 provinces have descended on the city, known for its pempek (fish dumplings), songket (woven cloth) and Ampera Bridge spanning the great Musi River. Colorful lights and banners are all around the historic city, 1,321 years old and once the seat of the Sriwijaya kingdom.

With two days until the Games close, the spirit of communal pride and togetherness is all around as people work together to make a success of the event.

-- JP/Stevie Emilia