Philippine Para athletes coming home victorious

MANILA, Philippines — After its most impressive ASEAN Para Games performance to date in Solo, Indonesia, the Philippine team sets its sights on surpassing its recent feat in next year’s edition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“With the next ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia next year not too far away, our Para athletes have laid the foundation in training harder and better so they can continue to bring home glory and honor the country,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo.

The Nationals have raked in 28 gold, 28 silver and 47 bronze medals for a fifth-place performance.

The harvest surpassed the country’s previous best effort of 24-24-26 in the 2009 edition in Kuala Lumpur as well as the 20-20-29 haul five years ago also in the Malaysian capital.

Interestingly, the mints came from only three sports – swimming (12), chess (10) and track and field (six).

The Philippine Sports Commission, which bankrolled the team’s training and participation, lauded the effort.

“This is proof that Filipino athletes excel for country’s pride regardless of barriers,” said PSC commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.

“This is another milestone for Team Philippines. We have surpassed our past APG participation with this big medal haul for this edition. The agency thanks you all for such an inspiring performance. We are all very proud of you,” said PSC executive director and officer-in-charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr.

And for that, the Filipino Para athletes are bound to receive a hero’s welcome when they return to the country today.