PSC boosts morale of Philippine Para athletes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has increased the Filipino Para athletes’ allowance for the Tokyo Paralympics from $1,000 (P50,000) to $3,000 (P150,000) with hopes of motivating them to perform well.

“To ignite inspiration among our Paralympians and also help them with their expenses there because we saw that costs are high in Japan,” said PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez in an online presser.

Swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda and powerlifter Achele Guion will represent the country in the meet slated Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

Headed by Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) president Mike Barredo and chef-de-mission Francis Diaz, the 21-strong team will fly to Tokyo on Aug. 22.

Aside from the six athletes, Barredo and Diaz, the delegation is also composed of six coaches, two from the medical team, four PSC officials and two PPC officials.

The Nationals are hoping to pick up from the country’s historic performance in the just-concluded Tokyo Olympics where weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz delivered the Philippines’ breakthrough Olympic gold medal.