Sanur – The Asian Beach Games (ABG) is not only a sport event among Asian countries. According to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), ABG is a tool to go to more harmonic civilization.

That’s part of SBY speech when formally opening the Asian Beach Games 2008 which was held in Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali, Saturday (October 18, 20008) evening.

“Asian Beach Games can be an agent for harmonic civilication in the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood,” said SBY that came using Balinese Batik in dark blue color, complete with Balinese traditional hat in dark red color.

Besides that, SBY also considers the event like ABG is an indication of the stronger role of Asia to the world. SBY event said that this 21st century will be the century of Asia.

“This is the century of Asia. There will be many Asian countries rise. Diplomacy, economy, technology, culture and sport all will rise,” SBY continued.

At the closing of the speech, SBY that came with Madam Ani Yudhoyono also remind all the athletes to perform at the maximum performance to achieve the highest achievement with also holding fast to the sportively values.

“Stretch out your best ability, stretch out your best ability. But besides all the competitions do not forget the values of brotherhood and sportivity”, said SBY a while before formally opened the ABG.

(translated from: http://www.detiksport.com/read/2008/10/19/001759/1022235/82/sby-ini-abadnya-asia)