PH Paralympians admired by Pres. Marcos Jr.

JUST like the 2024 Paris Olympics, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed his tremendous appreciation for the six athletes who will represent the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. 

After the winningest and most successful delegates from the Paris Games returned to the country and were feted, it is now the turn of Filipino Paralympians to take center stage in the largest quadrennial athletic event. 

Right before they launched their campaign, the President of the Philippines sent a statement boosting the spirit of the 2024 Paralympians, who are currently on their way to compete in the highly anticipated Summer Games.

Commended by the President

Based on the note, President. Marcos Jr. praised these Paralympians for embodying the fundamental meaning of being a Filipino. Despite their physical limitations, these sportsmen did not let that stop them.

“Your commitment to your training as elite athletes, despite the challenges you face, exemplifies the spirit of the Filipino people,” said Pres. Marcos in a statement for the Paralympians.

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission | Facebook

The president feels that these athletes embody the true definition of champions, and that the entire country will always regard them as such. “No accolade, praise, or reward can truly return the pride you bring to our country,” Marcos told.

“As you take on the world stage at the Paralympics, remember that the whole nation is with you, supporting you every step of the way,” he added. 

The Philippine Centennial Paralympic Team includes Allain Keanu Ganapin, Angel Mae Otom, Agustina Maximo Bantiloc, Cendy Asusano, Ernie Gawilan, and Jerrold Pete Mangliwan. 

Pres. Marcos Jr.’s main hope for these Paralympians is to “compete with the heart of Filipino warriors and show the world the strength of our people,” and whether or not they win gold, the fight is enough. 

Laban, Pilipinas!

Meanwhile, the country’s Paralympic delegation traveled as early as August 11 for the Paris Games, which will take place from August 28 to September 8.

Balintoc has begun her campaign in the women’s individual archery competitions at the Paralympic Games. She received a score of 618, placing her 28th (last) in the competition’s ranking round. 

The Paralympian was joined by Filipino swimmer Gawilan as the Philippines’ flag bearers during the opening ceremony in Paris on Thursday morning (Manila time). 

The Paralympic Games began more than two weeks after the Paris Olympics ended. The Philippines was represented by 22 athletes at the Summer Games, the most in history.

The Philippines finished first among Southeast Asian countries after winning two gold medals from star gymnast Carlos Yulo and two bronze medals from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.