ON WEDNESDAY, the Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., handed rewards to Filipino para-athletes who won medals at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission | Facebook
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Office of the President issued incentives worth P13.45 million. This is in addition to the incentives granted under Republic Act No. 10699, or he National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
Gold medalists will be awarded P1 million, silver medalists P500,000, and bronze medalists P200,000.
Marcos delivered a personal speech about how inspiring these athletes are and how much they mean to the entire country.
“You fall into a very special category because, beyond the glory that you bring to our country, you continue to inspire the nation. You continue to inspire every Filipino,” Marcos addressed the para-athletes.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission | Facebook
“Kung kaya niya, kung kaya nila na magkamedalya, kung kaya nila sa kanilang kondisyon, eh nagagawa nila ito, eh siguro naman tayong pangkaraniwan na Pilipino ay mas lalo pa nating kaya,” he added.
Disabled people’s stories are ones of unflinching perseverance in the face of hardship, and the President believes that these people faced seemingly insurmountable hurdles.
However, through their courage, they summon the strength to overcome their situation. They encourage people to face their fears, overcome self-imposed constraints, and pursue their aspirations owing to their courage.
“You do not let your disability discourage you from doing what you wanted, nor did it deter you from achieving your dreams. To say that para-athletes are of a different breed and made of harder stuff is an understatement,” Marcos stated in his speech.
“It is only fitting that, apart from the thanks of a grateful nation, we also present you with incentives to help you along. At alam naman natin napakaraming pangangailangan kapag tayo’y lumalaban dito sa mga international sports competition,” the president said.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission | Facebook
The ceremony was timed with the 34th anniversary of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and Marcos praised the organization for carrying out its duty.
“For nearly three and a half decades, the Commission has done and fulfilled its duty. The fruits of their labor should not be reflected on scoreboards and medals won alone,” Marcos said.
“If your mandate is to promote sports that are inclusive, then it must include a sector that is fighting for inclusivity,” said Marcos, who hopes to elevate all types of sports in the country.
“If your mission is to mainstream sports in all aspects of national life, then it begins by bringing into the fold those who are seen to be on the margins,” he went on to say.
The Fourth Asian Para Games is a multi-sport competition for Asian athletes with physical limitations. The Filipino para-athletes won 19 medals in Hangzhou, including 10 golds, four silvers, and five bronzes.
It is indeed an incredible journey that teaches us that adversity is not an impenetrable barrier but rather a canvas on which the human spirit may create its most beautiful masterpieces.
As we celebrate these para-athletes’ successes, we are reminded that the measure of a person is not their physical ability, but the courage with which they face adversity, the resilience with which they rise, and the unwavering spirit that pulls them ahead.
