Djalak, the Favorite Souvenir
Djalak the white starling, the Asian Beach Games mascot is alluring the attention of athletes and officials from the participating countries. A souvenir outlet at the beach volley venue was flocked by athletes and officials wanting to purchase souvenirs to bring home to their countries.
The Bali Starling (Leucopsar Rothschildi), locally known as “Jalak Bali”, as well as being the official mascot of the 1st Asian Beach Games, is the official mascot of Bali and a bird species endemic to the Island of the Gods.
The Starling was on the verge of near extinction with little numbers remaining in Bali Barat National Park. In 1999, the Begawan Foundation, set up by the creators of the Begawan Giri Estate in Ubud, imported two pairs of the starling to commence the conservation efforts of this important bird. Since then, the Begawan Foundation – Bali Starling Conservation Project has been very successful and has set a significant mark in wildlife conservation by achieving the highest Bali Starling breeding rate in captivity.
The birds were moved to the neighboring island of Nusa Penida where, in collaboration with FNPF’s Nusa Penida Bird Sanctuary, the first release of the birds into the wild was planned. Working together with 35 traditional councils, a local traditional law “awig-awig” was implemented to regulate and sanction the protection of all birds on Nusa Penida.
The bird symbolizes Bali with all its uniqueness and serves as a reminder that the bird, like Bali, is beautiful, yet sacred. It is therefore apt that the official mascot of Bali was chosen as the official mascot for the first Bali Asian Beach Games.
The souvenir’s stall at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel exit gate is also full of visitors. Most of them are in search of Djalak the white starling doll. A beach volley official from Thailand said that he bought many souvenirs to bring home to his family in Thailand. He said Bali and Thailand has similar culture and that Bali is just like home, making him enjoy staying in Bali. "Indonesians are friendly and Bali has beautiful landscape. The white starling souvenirs will help me remember my visit to Bali," he said.
Another souvenir seller, Ira Putri said they also provide other ABG souvenirs such as pens, pins, hand fans, and many more. “We are glad people love the souvenirs,” Ira said. The souvenirs price are varied, for example a white starling mascot price is Rp 100.000; pin is Rp 10.000; and plastic hand fan is Rp 20.000.
IOC Awarded Indonesia
The president of International Olympic Council (IOC) Jacques Rogge awarded Indonesia for the success of Asian Beach Games.The award was given to Rita Sobowo as the Indonesian Sports Committee and National Olympic Committee Chairperson on Monday (20/10) at Intercontinental Hotel, Jimbaran, Bali.
Also attended the ceremony were the president of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah along with other international sports federation representatives.
The president of IOC was impressed with the fact that Indonesia could organize Asian Beach Games despite the global economic crisis. “This is something worth awarded to, adding the fact that the last time Indonesia organized similar event was 46 years ago," as Rita quoted what Rogge said.
Keeping Sports Clean
As in other multilevel sport events such as National Games, SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics, the 1st Asian Beach Games (ABG) in Bali also conducted doping tests for athletes. It’s based on the International Olympic committee doping test standard.
However, the Program Deputy Manager of Anti Doping Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC), dr.Carmen Yahya refused to mention names and countries of the athletes whose urine samples have been tested. “I have to keep the athletes’ name, sport diciplines, and their countries confidential, as that is the IOC ethic code. But for sure, the ABG have to be free from doping issue.” said Carmen in Denpasar, on Sunday (19/10).
Principally, BABGOC Anti Doping commission holds it’s responsibility to implement Copenhagen declaration which was decided on March 5, 2003, purposed for fighting against doping in sports altogether. As the ABG host, Indonesia as Carmen, a University of Indonesia graduate stated, would like to show the world that we have committed to join the international struggle against doping in any sports.
To prove it, it has done ratification on the international anti doping convention through President rule no 101, 2007 about the convince of sport international anti doping. Indonesian government has deposited that ratification instrument to UNESCO on January 2008, in Paris.
Journalists Should Enjoy Asian Beach Games
Kaori Kitai (42), The Daily Jakarta Shimbun journalist says how she really enjoys her job as one of the reporters in Asian Beach Games (ABG). At Main Press Center (MPC), Inna Grand Beach Hotel, Sanur, Kaori said ABG is not only a sporting event to be covered but also a chance for her to enjoy herself.
“For me, Asian Beach Games is not only a sporting event but also more of a festive as journalists can also enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Bali, one of the greatest places in the world. It is an experience I can not find in any other places as a reporter,” she said. The Daily Jakarta Shimbun is a Japanese daily published in Jakarta to cater the Japanese in Indonesia, mostly residing in Jakarta and Bali.
“Indonesia must show the world that they have all recovered from the Bali bomb incident. I’m sure everything will be running as planned with the support from many parties,” Kaori said in smile.
Content by kunchunx.com
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