Solon calls for support for Filipino Paralympic athletes
AFP
Caloocan 1st District Congressman Dale “Along” Malapitan calls for support for Filipino Paralympic athletes as the opening of 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games draw near.
According to Malapitan, who personally visited the training of Para Taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin to extend financial support for his trip to Japan, the Philippines’ bets in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games need the public’s support as they gear up for the opening ceremony happening on August 24.
“Our 2020 Olympic journey in Tokyo is not yet over. We still have our Paralympic athletes who have been training day in and day out to represent and bring honor to our country,” said Malapitan.
The lawmaker also underscored the importance of showing public support to Filipino athletes prior to the games.
“Mas lumalakas ang loob nila at nagkakaroon sila ng ibayong inspirasyon lalo na ang ating mga paralympic athletes na talaga namang nakaka-inspire at nakakabilib ang kanilang husay sa kabila ng kanilang disabilities,” he said.
Malapitan added that “Paralympic athletes prove that despite disabilities, if you are willing to learn, work hard, and focus, anything is possible. I’ve seen how Allain trains and I’m confident that we have a good chance in bringing home a medal.”
The representative from Caloocan also commended Ganapin’s coach and Philippine Taekwondo Team’s Head Coach and Training Director Dindo Simpao, who also hails from Caloocan, for his dedication and passion for teaching national athletes.
“Coach Dindo, who himself has brought honor to our country during his younger days as a world-class taekwondo player, is a pride of Caloocan. And now, we also take pride that a Batang Caloocan like him is training and motivating these young athletes like Allain, continuously bringing honor to our country,” said Malapitan.
Aside from Ganapin (Para Taekwondo), Ernie Gawilan (Para Swimming), Gary Bejino (Para Swimming), Jerrold Mangliwan (Para Athletics), Jeanette Aceveda (Para Athletics), and Achelle Guion (Para Powerlifting) are also set to carry the Philippine flag in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
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