Just a week after he became the first Filipino to nail a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Ernie Gawilan came under the spotlight anew after he was named flag-bearer of the Philippine contingent in the coming Asean Para Games that the country will host.
“I want to express my gratitude for all these blessings. It will motivate me to work harder and improve my time,’’ said Gawilan, a decorated swimmer in para competitions.
The 28-year-old from Davao City qualified for Tokyo due to his stellar performance in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia where he grabbed three gold medals in the 400-meter freestyle (S7 class), 100-meter backstroke (S7 class) and 200-meter individual medley (SM7 class).
Already postponed twice due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, the Asean Para Games will finally get going from May 26 to June 5.
Over 1,500 para athletes from 11 countries will see action in 16 sports.