Duterte sends off‍ paralympic athletes

The Philippine team to the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics will be feted on Thursday in a virtual sendoff ceremony arranged by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

President Duterte will deliver his message of support to the country’s para athletes, which will be streamed on the PSC’s Facebook page at 6 pm, three days before the delegation leaves for the Japanese capital.

PSC chair Butch Ramirez expressed the PSC board’s support to the six athletes, encouraging them to “enjoy the experience and have fun” in their campaign.

Sen. Bong Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, and Rep. Mike Dy, Chair of the Congress Committee on Youth and Sports, will be offering their well-wishes along with Philippine Paralympics Committee president Mike Barredo.

Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the nation’s opening ceremony flag-bearer on Aug. 24, while swimmer Ernie Gawilan will wave the flag during the closing ceremony of Sept. 5.

Joining them in the quest for medals are para discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda, swimmer Gary Bejino, power lifter Achelle Guion and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.

They will be joined by Team Philippines chef de mission Francis Carlos Diaz with their coaches throughout the event.