The Philippines is sending 172 differently-abled athletes and 45 coaches in the 12^thASEAN Para Games slated June 3 to 9 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Members of the Philippine Para Team pose with officials during a send-off party held recently at the PICC Tent. (Ali Vicoy)

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hosted a send-off party for team Philippines on Tuesday, May 23, at the Philippine International Convention Center Tent where officials led by Philippine Paralympic Committee President Mike Barredo and PSC Commissioners Fritz Gaston and Walter Torres wished the athletes good luck.

“His Excellency President Bongbong Marcos Jr was certain in his words to the Philippine Sports Commission of providing utmost support to Philippine sports which includes you, our para athletes,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachman in his speech read by Gaston.

“With the all-out support from the national government, I am positive that you will give your all for flag and country. Together, let us proclaim that in sports, there are no walls impossible to climb,” Bachmann added.

Spearheaded by Paralympians Ernie Gawilan and Jerrold Mangliwan, the PH para team collected 28 gold, 30 silver and 40 bronze medals to finish fifth overall in the 2022 edition held in Indonesia.

Sander Severino is also expected to headline the squad after becoming the most bemedalled athlete last year with four silvers and two silvers in chess, along with teammates Darry Bernardo and Menandro Redor, and swimmers Ariel Alegarbes and Angel Otom.