Papua Masters the First Day of Peparnas Medals

Athletics became fertile land for the host contingent on the first day of the XVI 2021 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas). Eight athletes won gold medals throughout the competition which was held on the track and green field at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, Kampung Harapan, East Sentani District, Sentani City, Jayapura Regency, Saturday (6/11).

These results put them at the top of the temporary medal standings for the 2021 Papua National Park Tournament. On the first day, a total of 20 medals were collected by Papua, consisting of eight gold, seven silver and five bronze.

Abraham Elopere opened the inaugural gold for the Bumi Cenderawasih contingent from the men's 1,500 meter run in the T20 classification. The 32-year-old runner scored the fastest time of four minutes, 22.63 seconds. Not only opening the inaugural gold for Papua, Abraham also became the first athlete to win the yellow medal at the 2021 Peparnas.

The next gold supply was produced by Dapel Bayage from the men's high jump number T42 classification. He managed to jump as far as 1.70 meters resulting in the tenth attempt. The result made him break the national record and equal the Asian record. In the men's discus throwing F11 classification, Riyad Fallah was the best with a throw of 25.67 meters.

Excited by the achievements of her son's colleague, female athlete Selvy Merryna took home the gold from the 400 meters T54 classification. The 25-year-old athlete was successful with a time of one minute, 08.54 seconds.

In the women's javelin, it was Ari Haningsi Dwi Astuti's turn to donate gold. Down in the F20 classification, Ari recorded a throw as far as 35.05 meters. In the women's javelin throwing the F42 classification, Alfonsina Ondi deposited a gold piece for Papua. The 1997-born athlete scored the furthest jump in his class, which was 15.96 meters.

In the women's javelin throwing number F47, Maria Will was the best and succeeded in donating one gold for Papua. The 18-year-old athlete recorded a throw of 26.63 meters. From the women's long jump number T12 classification, Yuliana Wouw became the best. The 25-year-old jumper managed to carve a gold jump as far as 3.94 meters.

In second place was filled with the West Java contingent. The overall winner of the 2016 Peparnas with a total of 18 medals consisting of eight gold, seven silver and three bronze. In third place was the North Sumatra contingent with 13 medals (seven gold, five silver, one bronze). In the men's F44 shot put, athlete Reza Pramana Angin-wind managed to improve the national record and the 2017 ASEAN Para Games with a repulsion of 11.36 meters.

Central Java belongs to the top four with two gold, three silver and four bronze. Followed by Jambi (two gold, one silver, and one bronze). One of the golds in Central Java was inscribed by Putri Ayu Julianingsih who competed in the 400 meter wheelchair classification T53. "I am very proud, I am happy to get this gold medal," said Putri Ayu to InfoPublik.

According to him, this is the result of training and hard work that he has been doing. He also thanked all those who supported him, be it coaches, contingents, and the people of Central Java.

The 20-year-old athlete motivates his colleagues with disabilities to keep up the spirit and never give up. "Friends with disabilities must remain enthusiastic, do not feel inferior, continue to excel," he said enthusiastically.

It was recorded that only nine contingents were able to win gold on the first day of the 16th Peparnas implementation. The National Peparnas 16 Papua Committee has prepared 2,812 medals consisting of 861 gold, 861 silver and 1,090 bronze which are ready to be contested in 640 race numbers. Peparnas Papua participants will compete in 12 sports in 12 venues located in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency.

The 12 branches contested at the 2021 Peparnas include weightlifting, athletics, boccia, badminton, chess, judo, shooting, archery, swimming, cerebral palsy (CP) football, wheelchair tennis, and table tennis. West Java was the overall winner of the 2016 National Peparnas.

The people of Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency can watch the entire match by implementing strict health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands with water and soap, and maintaining distance including not crowding. Healthy achieving goals create achievements. You can do it, what can you do!

SOURCE: https://mediaindonesia.com/olahraga/445223/papua-kuasai-perolehan-medali-peparnas-hari-pertama