Minister to open Students Games

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra (JP): Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin is scheduled to officially open the fourth Students Sports Games here from July 7 to July 14.

The organizing committee's chairman, Noviarman Kailani, said that 27 provinces had confirmed their participation in the Games, while three new provinces of Bangka-Belitung, Banten and North Maluku would be present as observers.

"By being present at the Games as observers, they will also be preparing to compete in the next event," he said, adding that 1,774 athletes will compete in 12 sports in the Games.

"Some 1,774 athletes, in which 217 of them are from the host province, will compete in the event. Central Java is the biggest team with 218 athletes while East Nusa Tenggara is the smallest with 23 athletes."

Kailani said the organizers would scrutinize participants to avoid age falsification in the Games. (33)