Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan. Photo courtesy of Philippine Sports Commission.
MANILA (PIA) – Just like Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, physically impaired athletes deserve all the support they can get from Filipinos, says the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a statement, PSC chairman Richard Bachman called on Filipinos to rally behind the country’s six athletes competing in the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games 2024, in the intensity of support accorded to able-bodied counterparts in the recent Olympics.
According to Bachman, this year’s delegates to the Paralympics have strong chances of bringing home medals, specifically in athletics and swimming.
“We have some strong potential in athletics and swimming, and hopefully they will be able to bring home medals back to the Philippines,” Bachmann said.
The Philippine team for the Paris Paralympic Games includes track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, and archer Agustina Bantiloc.
Gawilan and Bantiloc are the designated flag-bearers during the opening ceremony on August 28.
“Let’s all rally behind our six Paralympians similar to, if not more, what we gave their able-bodied counterparts in the Paris Olympics,” Bachmann urged.
The Paris Paralympic Games, the world’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities, will run from August 28 to September 8. The French capital will host the event for the first time.
The Philippine Sports Commission’s call for support underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the country’s Paralympians, who have overcome significant challenges to represent the nation on the global stage. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
