PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Tinapos ng Team Philippines ang kampanya nito sa 12th Asean Para Games dito noong Biyernes na may 34 gold medals, mas mataas sa 28 na nakolekta sa Indonesia noong nakaraang taon.
Salamat kina Darry Bernardo, Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza at Sander Severino, na nagwagi ng tigdadalawang gold medals sa Royal University noong Huwebes.
Nanalo ng ginto si Bernardo, isang visually impaired, sa men’s individual B2-B3 at team kasama sina Arman Subaste at Menandro Redor.
Dinomina ni Mendoza, isang abogado, ang women’s individual blitz PI at team kasama sina Cheryl Angot at Jean-Lee Nacita.
Naghari naman si wheelchair-bound Severino, isang dating world champion, sa men’s individual at team kasama sina Felix Aguilera at Henry Lopez.
Ang James Infiestomentored chess team ay may kabuuang 13 golds, mas marami sa 10-gold harvest nito noong nakaraang taon.
Ang team ay nagprodyus din ng top two most bemedalled athletes sa PH contingent, kung saan nagsubi si Bernardo ng 6 golds at nag-ambag si Mendoza ng lima.
Nagwagi si Angel Mae Otom ng 4 gold medals para sa swimming squad, na lumangoy ng 10 gold, 9 silver at 7 bronze medals upang tumapos sa sixth, sa likod ng Thailand (34-29- 33), Vietnam (28-19-26), Indonesia (27-37-24), Malaysia (26-12-10) at Singapore (11-10-8).
Sa 34-gold, 33-silver and 50-bronze output nito, naduplika ng Team Philippines ang fifth-place finish nito sa Surakarta, Indonesia.
“I am honored and overjoyed to congratulate our athletes for their remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspirations and motivations to future generations of paraathletes,” pahayag ni Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner at Team Philippines chefde-mission Walter Francis Torres.
“As we return home, remember that the results of these games will forever leave a mark on the sporting landscape of our country. You will continue to influence generations to overcome boundaries and limitations. On behalf of the entire nation, Congratulations!!! I salute you all for your remarkable performances and outstanding representation of the Philippines in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. You make us proud!,” dagdag pa niya.
Samantala, humakot ang Indonesia ng 153 golds, 141 silvers at 93 bronzes upang makopo ang ikatlong sunod na titulo. Nagkasya ang Thailand, magiging hosts sa 2025 edition sa Korat, sacsecond place na may 123 golds, 107 silvers at 92 bronzes, kasunod ang Vietnam (66-56-78) at Malaysia (47-38-35).
Ang bansa ay kinatawan ng 50 athletes at officials sa grand closing ceremony sa Morodok Techo National Stadium na opisyal na nagsara sa 11-nation competition.