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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte expresses support, sends off PH paralympians to Tokyo games

Duterte expresses support, sends off PH paralympians to Tokyo games

Published Aug 19, 2021 07:08 pm

President Duterte assured the country's representatives to the Tokyo Paralympics that the entire country was supporting them in their endeavor to put the Philippines in the spotlight in the field of sports anew.

President Duterte wishes the country's six-man squad the best of luck as they head to Tokyo, Japan to compete in this year's Paralympic Games from Aug. 24-Sept. 5, 2021. (Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook Screenshot)

Duterte made the statement as he graced the virtual send-off for the Philippines' six-man squad who will compete in the 16th edition of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

The small but lean Philippine team is composed of Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino (para swimming), Allain Ganapin (para taekwondo), Jeanette Aceveda and Jerrold Mangliwan (para athletics), and Achelle Guion (para powerlifting).

In his message during the virtual event on Thursday, August 19, the President said the players' participation in the games will show the world the best the Philippines had to offer.

"My warmest greetings to our Philippine Paralympian Team. I am one with you as you present the best of our country at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo," he said.

"Your participation here shows to the world that anything is possible through hard work, determination, and solidarity," he added.

The President assured the athletes that the entire Filipino nation will be behind them in every step of the way.

"Rest assured that the entire nation is behind you as you compete and show your capabilities to make the world---," Duterte said.

"You really make our country proud," he added.

"Mabuhay ang Philippine Paralympian Team!" he ended his message.

Fresh out of the country's first Olympic gold medal, six differently abled national athletes were set to take the center stage as they compete in the Tokyo Paralympics.

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