Lifter exceeds norm for Rio Paralympics

MANILA, Philippines – Powerlifter Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta is poised to make a rare fifth straight appearance in the Paralympics this August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“This will be my fifth Paralympics, if ever, and I’m excited,” Ancheta said during Friday night’s awarding of incentives ceremonies for the medalists of the 2015 Asean Para Games (APG).

Ancheta, who debuted in the 2000 edition in Sydney where she snagged a bronze medal, is on course to book a return trip to the quadrennial meet.  

She already hit the minimum qualifying standard of 90 kilograms with her golden lift of 100kg in the APG but would need to do it again in an official qualifying event to formally qualify.

“I just have to attend official qualifying tournaments in Dubai and Malaysia this month to make it to Brazil,” world No. 12 Ancheta said.

Ancheta and members of Team Phl who won 16 golds, 17 silvers and 26 bronzes in the APG, were bestowed due recognition and rewarded with P6.783 million in windfall as mandated by R.A. 10699. The new law entitles differently-abled athletes to P150,000 per gold; P75,000 per silver, and P30,000 per bronze and coaches to a  bonus equivalent to 50 percent of his ward’s take.

“Masaya kami kasi nagkaroon din ng recognition ang PWD athlete. Yung paghihirap parang nawala, napalitan ng saya. Saka makakatulong din ito para yung ibang magpursigi kasi may batas na para sa amin (We’re grateful that we’re now recognized for our achievements. This will inspire others to persevere knowing we’re now recognized by the government),” said Rio-bound swimmer Ernie Gawilan.

“We always hope for the gold and with stronger support from government now, we really hope to be able to focus on training and strive harder,” said Ancheta.

The APG achievers, who were led by quadruple gold medalist Menandro Redor of chess, were the first to benefit from RA 10699 which was signed into law by President Aquino last year, according to House youth and sports development committee chairman Alay Buhay Party List Rep. Wes Gatchalian.

“We could see the happiness on the faces of the athletes and coaches. It’s not really because of the cash incentives but because for the first time, their achievements were recognized,” said Gatchalian.