Asian Beach Games in Bali

will be held in Bali, Indonesia from October 18, 2008 to October 26, 2008. The opening ceremony will be held in monumental park Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Nusadua, Badung.

There is no any bidding process for Bali to host the inaugural edition of the Asian Beach Games. Although there are 6 other country that show their interest to host the games, but Bali chosen by acclamation to host the games.

It will be the second time for Indonesia to host an Asia level multi-sports event, after Jakarta held the 1962 Asian Games.

The Official Logo of the 1st Asian Beach Games Bali 2008 represents the water element that embodies the sporting event.

The shining sun comes from the emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia and represents its vital role in Asia's sport development and spreading energy created by the solidarity of the OCA.

The selection of the light and deep-blue effects represents the color of Balinese waters.

The two vertical lines represent two Pura (Balinese Hindu temple), an image of the gate to a Balinese house of worship which is signifies the ultimate hospitality of the Bali society in honouring and welcoming people from all over Asia.

The two big waves represent the commitment as well as the enthusiasm of the host city to hold the 1st Asian Beach Games.

The letters "BALI 2008" are red to show the spirit of sportsmanship and the typeface selection emphasizes the pride of all athletes competing in Bali.

The official mascot of the 1st Asian Beach Games is Bali Starling (Leucopsar Rothschildi), locally known as “Jalak Bali”, as well as the official mascot of Bali and a bird species endemic to this Island.

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 Bali Asian Beach Games Torch Relay will start on October 8, 2008 at Mount Merapi, Central Java, where the flame will be lit with the aid of natural gas.

The torch will be paraded to Jakarta and will be given to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and later it will heading to Bali for an inland tour accross 10 regions (9 regencies, and 1 city).

More than 500 (45 people per district) will be involved in the Torch Relay as the torchbearer, they are came from the sports world, from athletes (local, national, and international), coaches, and officials. Besides that, it will be more than 2,000 people who will participate in the parade.

The journey is expected to showcase Indonesian culture especially Balinese traditional art, dance, and music to international audiences.

The opening ceremony of the 1st Asian Beach Games will be held in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a great monumental cultural park in Nusadua, the most luxurious region in Bali.

Indonesian President, Yudhoyono will officially open the games when the torch reach the Garuda Wisnu Kencana.

The show will highlights Indonesian cultural arts, and will feature international performers such as Anggun from France and Christian Bautista from the Philippines, and also famous national singer and composer, such as Gita Gutawa and Erwin Gutawa.

Anggun, a French Singer who formerly an Indonesian resident, will sing the games anthem.

About 41 country leaders and sveral very important persons, including British Royal Family and Qatari Royal Family members, have also confirmed their presence at the opening ceremony.

The 2008 Asian Beach Games will be closed by Indonesia Vice President, Jusuf Kalla.