Filipino paralympians are set to continue the medal-haul momentum at the Tokyo Olympics
The Tokyo Paralympic Games, has finally began, and the opening ceremony gave the digital audience around the world a strong message of hope, diversity, solidarity, and a perfect picture of resilience during this difficult time. Once again, the Philippines sent a new set of athletes that are bound to give the country honor in their respective sports.
This year, Team Philippines will be represented by 5 delegates: Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan (para athletics), who was also the designated flag bearer for the opening, and Ernie Gawilan (swimming) who will have the same responsibility in the closing ceremony. Discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda (para athletics), swimmer Gary Bejino, taekwondo jin and Allain Ganapin are also included. Team Philippines was supposedly composed of 6 delegates, but powerlifter Achelle Guion, will not continue because of the recent report that she contacted the COVID-19 virus.
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo keeps his spirit high as he said, “Despite this setback, we are confident that our athletes will give their best in the pursuit of their Paralympic dreams and to bring honor and glory to our country.”
Why recognition matters
Our Filipino Paralympians have sought recognition for along time for hopes that they will receive the same level of support given to athletes without disabilities.
Initially, para-athletes were not explicitly recognized as national athletes and won’t be getting benefits and incentives from the government according to
Republic Act 9064 or the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001. However, the law was amended by RA 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act of 2015, which included para-athletes in the list of national athletes.Legal recognition is a huge step for para-athletes to receive their well-deserved support. A testament to this was when PSC chairman William Ramirez announced the monthly allowances of Filipino para-athletes will be tripled from ₱50,000 to ₱150,000.
Aside from the financial support, PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez also urged Francis Diaz, dean of UP College of Human Kinetics to prepare the athletes mentally.
“Please try to remember that mental preparation and psychological skills training are long processes similar to technical training, but to give pointers and reminders on having the proper mindset leading to the games, they can provide this,” said Ramirez. For him, mental preparedness is an important aspect on why we landed a four-podium finished last Tokyo Olympics.
Schedule of games
The Paralympic games in Tokyo will run from August 24 to September 5, and it is Gary Bejino who will open the Filipinos’ bid on Thursday in men’s swimming 200m individual medley SM6, followed by para swimmer Ernie Gawilan in men’s 200m IM SM7 event on Friday and Rio Paralympian Mangliwan, who will race in the T52 men’s 400-meter preliminary heats.
While on August 31, it will be Discus thrower, Jeanette Aceveda who will shoot for the medal in the women’s discus throw F11, and lastly, Allain Gapain will compete in the men’s K44 – 75kg taekwondo competition on September 3.
Related:
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The post These 5 Filipino Para-Athletes Hope To Set New Records At The Tokyo Paralympics appeared first on MEGA.
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