Cebuana swimmer books ticket to Paralympic Games in London

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana swimmer Beariza Maria Josephine Roble makes it to the Olympics of the differently-abled athletes, the XIV Paralympic Games set from August 29 to September 9 in London, England.

“I’m so happy that I made it to the London Paragames, but I really didn't expect it would happen too soon. It is every athlete's dream to be in the Olympics,” said Roble.

Roble earned berth to the quadrennial sports conclave after making an impression in a qualifying event she joined in Italy recently. She competed under the dwarfism and orthopedically-handicapped categories.

“I’m a bit pressured, but at the same time excited to represent the country again in a sporting event of such magnitude,” said Roble.

Roble has donned the Phl colors in several international competitions already. Her most shining moment came last year when she won gold and two silvers during the 6th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Paragames in Indonesia.

Highly esteemed coach Rolando Alvarez, who molded Roble into a competitive swimmer, is as excited as his prized ward in her upcoming Paralympics stint.

“It’s been a long-time dream for me to produce an Olympian. I already had a swimmer who made it to the SEA Games and Asian Games and with Bea (Roble) competing in the London Paralympic Games, I feel complete now,” said Alvarez. (FREEMAN)