Meet Momo, the Mascot of the 2018 Asian Para Games

Kartunet - Kaka, Atung, and Bhin-Bhin are the cute characters that became mascots for the 2018 Asian Games. Not to be outdone, its follow-up event, the 2018 Asian Para Games, specifically for para-athletes or those with special needs, also has its own mascot. Let's get to know Momo, the mascot of the 2018 Asian Para Games. Jakarta - In August 2018, all nations across the Asian continent were immersed in the joy of the Asian sports festival. Various sports were competed in this grand event, which was attended by 40 countries. However, there was one thing that felt different for us, the para-athletes. All sports in the Asian Games use different standards from those typically practiced by people with disabilities, meaning virtually no Asian Games participants came from the disabled community. But don't be sad yet. Para-athletes in Asia also have their own sports event, namely the Asian Para Games. The Asian Para Games, which is a sports festival for Asian para-athletes, will be held in Indonesia in 2018, from October 6 to 13, 2018. Unlike the Asian Games, which Indonesia hosted for the second time, this year marks Indonesia's first time hosting the Asian Para Games. 2018 is the third year the Asian Para Games event has been held. After South Korea hosted the 2014 Asian Para Games, Indonesia now has the opportunity to host the athletes at the 2018 Asian Para Games. One very interesting element that is always present in every major sports festival like the Asian Para Games is the mascot. If the 2018 Asian Games were famous for their three mascots named Bhin Bhin, Kaka, and Atung, what about the Asian Para Games? This grand Asian event also has a mascot that is no less captivating than those of the Asian Games. The mascot displayed at the 2nd Journalist Games at the Ministry of Youth and Sports office is named Momo. This mascot is a Brahminy kite wearing a distinctive Betawi belt, in line with the animal's native region. The name Momo itself is an abbreviation of Motivation and Mobility. This name was not chosen arbitrarily. According to Raja Sapta Oktohari, who is the chairman of Inapgoc or the Indonesia Asian Para Games Organizing Committee, motivation is expected to drive the upcoming 2018 Asian Para Games athletes to achieve their goal, which is to become champions. Meanwhile, mobility or movement means that these athletes make movements to achieve their goals. The Brahminy kite symbol itself was chosen because this eagle is an endemic animal of the city where the event is held, namely Jakarta. Furthermore, the Brahminy kite mascot was also chosen to align with the Asian Games mascots, which are also distinctive Indonesian animals. Momo is the new name given to this mascot, which was previously named Ulung. Ulung was introduced during the countdown event at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Friday, October 6, 2017. The name Ulung itself means experience, expertise, best, and leader. Ulung is also an acronym for Ultimate, Undispute, and Nations Globally, meaning superior nations that are globally undefeated. The philosophy behind choosing the Brahminy kite as the mascot for the 2018 Asian Para Games, according to Okto, is because the Brahminy kite symbolizes might, courage, longevity, and resilience in facing the challenges of a competitive era like Jakarta. In short, the ‘Brahminy Kite’ symbol signifies that we must always move forward and adapt to a constantly changing world and time. Just like its philosophy, the appearance of Indonesia's Asian Para Games mascot is equally impressive. As a Brahminy kite, Momo has sharp eyes, seemingly depicting its strong determination. Additionally, white feathers appear to wrap around Momo's head and chest, while its beak is yellow. Other parts of this majestic figure's body, such as its belly and wings, are purplish-gray, further enhancing its grandeur. Momo's appearance will be adapted for each sport competed. According to the chairman of Inapgoc, affectionately known as Okto, in basketball, Momo will be depicted sitting in a wheelchair while playing basketball. Similarly, for other sports, the figure of Momo will also be adapted. Beyond the mascot, there is also a logo that serves as the identity of this sporting event. Okto also explained that the circular 2018 Asian Para Games logo symbolizes the balance formed from the diversity of nations in Asia. The silhouette in the center of the logo, Okto continued, depicts a person in motion, similar to the movements of the athletes who will compete in the 2018 Asian Para Games. It was also explained that the design of the Asian Para Games logo was made similar to the Asian Games logo. The purpose is for the public who see it to know that this event is the largest sports event in Asia. This concludes our brief introduction to the logo and mascot that represent the identity of the Asian Para Games 2018, the sporting event for Asian para-athletes. May the philosophy behind Momo, the Asian Para Games mascot, motivate the athletes competing in this event to give their best to defend their nation and country. As people with disabilities, we too can bring honor to our nation through achievements. Keep moving forward, Indonesian people with disabilities. (cpd) References:  Indonesia 2018 Asian Para Games, Bahaso.com  Asian Para Games Mascot Named Ulung, Metrotvnews.com  Momo, New Name for Asian Para Games Mascot, Bola.com