The Philippines officially launched its campaign at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on Wednesday, January 21, with a 216-strong delegation ready for action. Paralympic swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino led the charge as para swimming events kicked off at 9:30 a.m. (Manila time) at the 80th Birthday Sports Complex.

The men’s and women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams were next in line, facing host Thailand at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat starting at 11:00 a.m. The Pilipinas Warriors reached the men’s final after a 13-11 semifinal win over Malaysia, while the Lady Warriors advanced with an 8-4 victory over Laos in the elimination round to earn their first-ever shot at the gold medal.

Para athletes ready for broad competition

A team manager’s meeting for para athletics was underway at press time as schedules were finalized. Meanwhile, Filipino representatives in para powerlifting, tenpin bowling, chess, para road cycling, para fencing, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, para table tennis, shooting para sport, Boccia, and para badminton were all set to start competition on Wednesday.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio announced an additional P6,000 incentive for para athletes and coaches, reflecting full government and private sector support. Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo said the extra support boosts morale and encourages athletes to surpass their 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals won in 2023 in Cambodia.

Wheelchair racer and two-time Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan led the Philippine contingent as flag bearer during the Parade of Para Athletes at the opening ceremonies at the 80th Birthday Stadium. Chef de mission Goody Custodio highlighted the delegation’s mix of experienced and up-and-coming athletes, noting that veteran guidance helps the newcomers find their identity within the national training pool.

Optimism and fighting spirit

Barredo emphasized the importance of collective effort and support, saying, “Laging boost yan and I think lahat ng bagay na ‘yan nakakatulong. I’m glad that is the spirit we have altogether and like I said, it’s the fighting spirit of the team, the coaches and the Filipino people in general.”

With competitions underway and the delegation in full gear, the Philippines is poised to make a strong showing in Nakhon Ratchasima, aiming for new milestones across multiple para sports.