PARIS— Filipino Paralympians at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are receiving a significant morale boost from the Filipino community in France, as they continue their quest for medals. Philippine Ambassador to France, Junever Mahilum-West, has called on the Filipino diaspora to rally behind Team Philippines, emphasizing the importance of their support in inspiring the next generation of para athletes.

As the Games progress, four Filipino Paralympians remain in contention for podium finishes. These include para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, and javelin thrower Cendy Asusano.

“Let us provide them all our support. May they ignite a new generation of para athletes and torchbearers who will carry forward this legacy of inspiration and dedication in the years to come,” said Ambassador Mahilum-West during a special gathering at the Philippine Embassy in Paris.

Ernie Gawilan is set to compete in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 event on Monday, with hopes of securing a place in the finals early Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, Angel Mae Otom will begin her bid in the women’s 50m backstroke S5 on Tuesday. Mangliwan will also take to the track on Thursday for the men’s 100m T52 qualifying heats.

According to Philippine Deputy Chief of Mission, Eric Gerardo Tamayo, there are at least 25,000 Filipinos in France who are ready to cheer on the national para athletes. “Paris 2024 is sending a message to the world of a gentle revolution for inclusion. Let’s all heed this call through the programs and activities involving our community,” urged Mahilum-West.

Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and the development of para sports in the Philippines. “We are definitely trying our best to push the development of para sports in our country to further the Paralympic movement, the core values of which are determination, inspiration, courage, and equality,” Barredo stated.

Angel Mae Otom, who won three gold medals at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, will have another shot at a medal in the women’s 50m butterfly S5 on Friday. Cendy Asusano will conclude the Philippine campaign in the women’s javelin throw F54 on Saturday.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the athletes. “The PSC is here to support. We took advantage also to see how we compare to all the other countries and how we can improve moving forward. I have my notes, and I will work with the PPC in trying to improve our para athletes in the Paralympics,” said Bachmann.

Apart from the athletes and their coaches, the courtesy call at the Embassy was attended by PPC Secretary General Goody Custodio, PPC Director for Para Sports Development Milette Bonoan, and PH Chef de Mission to the Paralympics Ral Rosario.

Though taekwondo’s Allain Ganapin and archer Agustin Bantiloc put up a valiant fight over the weekend, they narrowly missed out on medals. The strong support from the Filipino community continues to be a source of encouragement for all Filipino Paralympians competing in Paris.