With the historic first gold medal of the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics, the national Paralympic team is inspired to bring honor to the country when a six-man squad competes in the 16th edition of the Paralympic Games on Aug. 24 to Sept. 5 in Tokyo, Japan.
Ernie Gawilan, a two-time Games participant, said that it inspires them to strive harder following the ‘best finish’ of the national team in the recent Tokyo Olympics where weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country's first gold medal.
“Sana maka-medalya din tayo sa Tokyo Paralympics, magandang inspirasyon sa members ng Philippine Paralympic Team 'yung naging performance. Sana madala natin yung momentum,” said Gawilan, a gold medal winner in the last Asian Paralympics in Indonesia.
The 30-year-old Gawilan said that like the struggles of the abled athletes in conducting training sessions in this COVID-19 pandemic situation, they also had the same problems due to the restrictions.
However, with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and CitiBank Philippines – the main backer of the Philippine Paralympic Team – the six Filipino differently abled athletes were able to prepare for the tournament.
Aside from the first gold medal of Team Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics, the Filipinos also bagged two silvers won by boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and a bronze from Eumir Marcial, also from boxing.
Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) chief Michael Barredo said they are not putting any pressure on the six Paralympians but he is confident that they are ready and determined to compete against the best in the world.
“It’s a hard act to follow (Team Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics),” said Barredo in an online press conference held Thursday, Aug. 19.
“But we are hoping that our athletes can bring home medals. In spite of the pandemic, in spite of the challenges in their training and preparation, our six athletes have the courage and determination to carry on and compete.”
Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed expressed his strong support for the country’s Paralympic Team, which has received support from the company since 2018.
“We have all been extremely impressed, inspired and encouraged by your tremendous determination and resilience. We couldn’t be prouder to support such an amazing team of athletes and will be cheering for you in your quest for a medal,” he said.
Aside from Galiwan, the other five members of the team are swimmer Gary Bejino, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, Achelle Guion for powerlifting, Janette Aceveda and Jerrold Mangliwan – the flag bearer – in athletics.
The team, led by Chef de Mission Kiko Diaz, will leave for Tokyo on Sunday.