PSC lauds Filipino Paralympians after Tokyo campaign

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Monday lauded the Filipino Paralympians after the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Games.

In a statement, PSC chairman William Ramirez said the para-athletes are heroes for representing the country in Japan.

"We take pride in these rare Filipino Paralympians. They inspire the country with their achievement. They are our new heroes today who in spite of their conditions fought well," he said.

"The sacrifices and resiliency of these para-athletes are beyond compare. We will support them in any way we can," he added.

Three para-athletes, Gary Bejino, Ernie Gawiland, and Jerrold Mangliwan, competed in the Para Games.

Swimmer Bejino wrapped his campaign last Friday after missing the men's backstroke finals. Fellow swimmer Gawilan finished 10th in the men's backstroke heats to conclude his Tokyo stint last August 30.

Meanwhile, Mangliwan wrapped the Philippines campaign on Friday as well after finishing last in the men's 100m - T52 event for wheelchair racing. 

Six para-athletes from the Philippines qualified in the Tokyo Paralympics. However, power lifter Achele Guion and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin did not push to Tokyo after testing positive for COVID-19.

Discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda, who was already with the Philippine delegation in Tokyo, tested positive as well for the disease and had to withdraw from the competition.

The Philippine Paralympic delegation returned home on Sunday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News