After the excitement from the Tokyo Olympics has died down, it’s time to get pumped for the Tokyo Summer Paralympics. Para Games is a multisport event where athletes with a range of disabilities compete. The first and last time the Philippines won a medal at the Para Games was during Sydney 2000 where powerlifter Adeline Dumapong bagged a bronze. This year, six Filipino para-athletes (so far) hope to end the medal drought. Spurred on by the Philippines’ amazing run of four podium finishers at the recent Olympics, our para-athletes are more than ready and are up for the challenge. Get to know them below!
Allain Ganapin – Para-Taekwondo
Jerrold Mangliwan – Para-Athletics
He took home gold medals for the 100m and 200m T52 race and silver for the 400m T52 race at the 2015 ASEAN Para Games. Mangliwan also competed at the Rio 2016 Para Games.
Jeanette Aceveda – Para-Athletics
Ernie Gawilan – Para-Swimming
Gary Bejino – Para-Swimming
Achelle Guion – Para-Powerlifting
When will the Tokyo Paralympic Games begin?
We’re coming very soon! 🔥 #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/XjAsLNx04F
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) August 8, 2021
Tune in to the Tokyo Paralympics from August 24 to September 5, 2021. From our delegates, wheelchair racer Mangliwan will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony. Swimmer Gawilan will do the same for the closing ceremony.
Additional monetary support for our athletes
And when one of them bags a medal, monetary awards await. Republic Act 10699 mandates that Paralympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists will receive P5 million, P2.5 million, and P1.5 million respectively. On top of that bounty, the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation pledged to match the same incentive for every win. Any of our Filipino Paralympian can pocket as high as P10 million if they go home with gold.
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