Filipino Paralympians, who are about to represent the Philippines at the Paralympic Games, gained the spotlight on President Marcos' remarks during the commemoration of National Heroes Day, saying they are a "symbol of hope."
While Marcos was paying tribute to the country's modern-day heroes, which include Filipino athletes, he acknowledged the Paralympians' heroism despite their disabilities.
"Soon, the Paralympic Games will [start], and the six Filipino Paralympians are already making us proud. The extraordinary strength and dedication to compete despite their disabilities are a symbol of hope for all of us," he said in his speech on Monday, Aug. 26.
"The national pride they brought and continue to bring home is unrequitable - not by awards, not by effusive praises, not by incentives," he added.
The President highlighted that they keep on bringing honor to the country despite the various challenges that come their way, including "struggles of financial constraints."
"We [have] heard their stories, we saw the glory, we did not [however] witness the discipline and sacrifice they endured to train every [single] day, the risks of injury, and the struggles of financial constraints," he said.
"[And yet we see them] and they [have come] through," the President added.
In his speech, the Chief Executive underscored that heroism lies in every Filipino, stressing that it is embodied by Filipino athletes who stood before millions, bearing the name of the Philippines in the international arena.
Filipino athletes, he said, join Filipinos from various fields as the definition of modern hero.
The Paris Paralympiad will officially start on Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
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