PH PARA ATHLETES BIYAHENG INDONESIA

UMALIS na kahapon ng umaga ang Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-supported Team Philippines patungong Solo, Indonesia lulan ng isang chartered flight upang simulan ang kanilang kampanya sa 11th ASEAN Para Games (APG), apat na araw bago ang opening ceremony.

Ang Games ay opisyal na magsisimula sa July 30 at magtatapos sa August 6.

Ang national team ay sasabak sa pinakamalaking biennial multisport event para sa differently-abled athletes laban sa 11 member-countries ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Ang Philippine contingent ay lalahok sa 12 sports — Archery (9), Athletics (24), Badminton (, Boccia (4), Chess (22), Goalball (6), Judo (6), Powerlifting (Sitting Volleyball (10), Swimming (12), Table Tennis (13), Wheelchair Basketball Men (12), at Wheelchair Basketball Women (4). Sasamahan sila ng 38 coaches at 40 team officials.

Nagkaloob ang PSC ng P51.2 million na financial assistance para suportahan ang kampanya ng 222-man Philippine Para Team delegation.

“We support our national para-athletes as much as we support our abled athletes. This is their chance to raise the flag again in the 11th ASEAN Para Games,” sabi ni PSC Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr.

Ang P31.7 million ay ipinalabas para sa actual participation ng koponan na sakop ang halaga ng chartered flight, accommodation, travel at COVID-19 medical insurance, meal allowance, swab test, at iba pa sa seven-day sportsfest.

Bukod sa nasabing halaga, ang sports agency ay nagkaloob din sa koponan ng P10.4 million para sa competition and training equipment, supplies, at uniforms.

“We wish them all the best this APG. They are the greatest pride of the country, especially for the PWD community. We are all behind them, win or lose,” dagdag ni Iroy.