Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission
Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) and Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PHILSPADA) president Michael Barredo was left both optimistic and grateful after experiencing genuine inclusivity in the send-off ceremony for Filipino athletes and para athletes bound for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
In an interview with Sports Radio 918, Barredo said that he was pleased to experience firsthand the national sports agency’s overwhelming support for the country’s para athletes and its commitment to putting them on equal footing with their able-bodied counterparts as they prepare to proudly carry the Philippine colors at the 5th Asian Para Games, scheduled October 18 to 24.
“Napakasaya at ganda na magkasama kami ng aking tinatawag na ‘Big Brothers’ sa Philippine Olympic Committee at Philippine Sports Commission, kasama ang kanilang 464-strong contingent for the Asian Games,” said Barredo, who was accompanied by secretary general Godofredo “Goody” Custodio, sports director Milette Santiago-Bonoan and Atty. Judd Anastacio, PPC Board member and deputy chef de mission for the 5th Asian Para Games.
He also expressed hope that the support and inclusivity shown by the PSC would translate into a stronger performance by the Philippine delegation in next month’s Para Asiad.
It is expected to be a tall order for the 70-member national para contingent following the exclusion of para chess from the Games. The sport accounted for eight of the Philippines’ 10 gold medals in the previous edition, helping the country finish ninth overall among 33 Asian nations.
“Napakabigat na hamon. Nevertheless, our Team Philippines will try to make up for it in other para sports lalo na sa para swimming, para athletics, at ibang mga sports na palagay ko makakamedalya rin tayo,” Barredo said.
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