Team Pilipinas had a magical run in the 2018 Asian Games, finishing with four golds, two silvers, and fifteen bronzes.
If that was magical, what would one call the performance of Team Pilipinas during the Asian Para Games.
The Philippines ended up with 10 golds, eight silvers, and 11 bronzes.
“Definitely, I am overjoyed by their performance! They have overachieved and I am just very happy,” said chef de mission Kiko Diaz.
Swimmer Ernie Gawilan led the charge with three golds and two silvers.
Chesser Sander Severino also ended up with three golds.
Bowler Kim Chi, cyclist Arthus Bucay, the Standard P1 Men’s Chess Team, the Standard B2-B3 Men’s Chess Team, and the Rapid B1 Men’s Chess Team all captured golds as well.
Powerlifter Achelle Guion, paddler Josephine Medina, chessers Menandro Redor and Henry Lopez, swimmer Gary Bejino, and the bowling duo of Chi and Samuel Matias all brought home silver while Bejino, Bucay, cyclist Godfrey Taberna, swimmer Bejino, chessers Jasper Rom and Arman Subaste, powerlifter Adeline Dumapong, the Team Rapid B2-B3 Men’s and Team Rapid B2 Men’s Chess Teams bagged bronze.
Besides the PHP 16.2M cash incentives the contingent received, the country’s para-athletes were also granted their watershed moment.
“More than the amount of incentives, it is the deeper inclusion of our para-athletes in the Philippine sports landscape that we are all thankful for,” shared Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo.
“They are now recognized as a true national athlete and are afforded proper training and exposure.”
Come 2019, they hope to carry the momentum over for the ASEAN Para Games.
