The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) lauded the efforts of Filipino para-athletes who saw action in the just-concluded Tokyo Paralympic Games, highlighting how they competed hard and gave their all despite the myriad of challenges they had to face.
“They were exceptional and dedicated Paralympians caught in a pandemic. Despite this, they carried the flag with pride and honor,” said PSC Chairman Ramirez in a statement. “They were playing against the best Paralympians in the world. To qualify and participate in the Paralympics is a great honor in itself.”
The quadrennial sporting meet for the differently abled officially ended on Sunday with no medals for the Philippines.
The country had it rough during the two-week competition, which saw the athlete contingent reduced no thanks to the pandemic.
Para-powerlifter Achelle Guion, blind discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda and para-taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin tested positive for COVID-19, leaving them with no choice but to pull out from their respective events.
Left to carry the fight for the Philippines were Jerrold Mangliwan of para athletics, and para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino, who had their struggles but nonetheless showed fire in competing.
Mr. Mangliwan advanced to the finals of his three events. He placed fifth and made his new personal best in the men’s 400m T52 race finals and also broke his own best time in the men’s 1500m T52 competition.
Mr. Gawilan, meanwhile, placed sixth in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 event and became the first Filipino para-swimmer to advance in the Paralympics finals. Mr. Bejino, on the other hand, also showed great potential come the 2024 Paris Games despite being a first-timer in the quadrennial meet.
“In spite of what happened, we take pride in these rare Filipino Paralympians. They inspire the country with their achievement. They are our new heroes today who in spite of their conditions fought well,” said Mr. Ramirez.
The PSC was fully behind the campaign of the Philippine Paralympic team amid the limitations brought about by the pandemic, but acknowledged that more could be done considering the advancement in the competition.
“Together with the Philippine Paralympic Committee, we hope to find training venues for our para-athletes in the national pool,” the PSC chief said.
Adding, “The sacrifices and resiliency of these para-athletes are beyond compare. We will support them in any way we can.”
FREE FLIGHTS
Meanwhile, airline Cebu Pacific is honoring the country’s Paralympians with free flights.
In a statement on Monday, it said Messrs. Gawilan, Bejino, Mangliwan and Ganapin will be awarded free flights, which they may share with their respective teams and support systems.
“Our Paralympic delegation did their best and have proven that they deserve to fly. We recognize their efforts and are grateful to them for representing our country loud and proud,” said Candice Iyog, Vice-President for Marketing & Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific.
Each Paralympian will receive 25 flights for free. The tickets may be used for any domestic and international short-haul destination in the airline’s network. – MASM