President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the Filipino Paralympians joining the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games beginning Aug. 28, calling them a “symbol of hope” for all Filipinos.
Leading the commemoration of National Heroes' Day at Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes Cemetery) in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos said athletes are among those who exemplify heroism by representing the Philippines in the international arena.
“Soon, the Paralympic Games will start, and the six Filipino Paralympians are already there, making us proud,” Marcos said.
“The extraordinary strength and dedication to compete, despite their disabilities, are a symbol of hope for all of us. 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 noted athletes had to overcome struggles and sacrifices on their way to glory.
“We have heard their stories. We saw their glory. We did not, however, witness the discipline and the sacrifice that they endured to train every single day, the risks of injury, the struggles of financial constraints. And yet we see them and they have come through,” Marcos said.
“That is the definition of a modern hero and the testament that each of us is capable of becoming one by uplifting our fellow men and women, serving our communities, and working to save our heritage for future generations,” he added.
Track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, and archer Agustina Bantiloc will represent the country in the Paralympics.
They will look to follow up on the country’s best performance in the Olympics in the recently-concluded Summer Games. (PNA)
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