Students with Disabilities from 35 Provinces Compete in Five Sports

31 August 2026, 4:30 PM

At the Buriram Municipality Dome, Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province, Dr. Phatthaphong Pongsakul, Inspector General of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, presided over the opening ceremony of the 23rd National Games for Students with Disabilities, “Buriram Para Games.” The event was attended by Dr. Suthon Wichairat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, who delivered the official report, while Mr. Sritham Ratchakaew, Deputy Governor of Buriram Province, welcomed the participants. Also in attendance were executives from both public and private sectors, representatives of government and private organizations in Buriram Province, members of the organizing committee, athletes, officials, and other distinguished guests.

Dr. Suthon Wichairat stated that the Department of Physical Education has continuously organized the National Games for Students with Disabilities since the first edition in 1975. The competition has evolved steadily over the years before being suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games resumed in 2025 in Khon Kaen Province, and this year Buriram Province has the honor of hosting the event.

The 23rd “Buriram Para Games” features competitions in five sports, with participation from 1,539 athletes representing 84 schools across 35 provinces, accompanied by 608 officials and team staff, bringing the total number of participants to 2,147 people.

Dr. Phatthaphong Pongsakul emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Department of Physical Education, places great importance on ensuring equal access to sporting opportunities, particularly for youth and students with disabilities. He noted that the Games serve not only as a platform for athletes to demonstrate their sporting abilities and potential, but also as a source of inspiration, reflecting determination, perseverance, and the spirit of inclusive participation in society.

The event is the result of collaboration among the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security through the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Fund, Buriram Province, and all supporting sectors. The competition aims to provide students with disabilities opportunities to improve their physical fitness and mental well-being, develop discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship, and pave the way toward becoming future national athletes.

On this occasion, the presiding officer welcomed athletes from across the country and encouraged them to compete with true sportsmanship, uphold the principles of fair play, respect the rules and regulations, and foster friendship and unity. He then officially declared the opening of the 23rd National Games for Students with Disabilities “Buriram Para Games.” The competition is expected to serve as an important stage for students with disabilities to showcase their potential and leave a lasting impression on participants from all over the country.