11 Filipino athletes try to bring home unique Olympic gold medal

UNIQUE instead of different, their hearts power the journey to every finish line on a mission to give the nation another shot at an Olympic gold.

Their will greater than any hurdle, a team of 11 Filipino athletes will fly to the London 2012 Paralympic Games this weekend bearing fresh hope to prevail over challenges and bring home the elusive Olympic medal.

There are no promises, but faith is brimming. After all, this is a group of athletes who had overcome much off the track or the arena, conquering the challenge of childhood polio and congenital conditions, even the stares of strangers who saw the difference rather than their abilities.

“We don’t know how ready the athletes are but hopefully, we could bring home a medal.  We are inspired, going to London with all the support,” said Marites Burce, a 37-year-old athlete who will participate in javelin throw at the London Games.

Honoring the athletes with a simple sendoff Wednesday night, British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie recognized the athletes’ role in “changing negative perceptions about disability.”

“You are shining examples that persons with disabilities can achieve great things.  We wish you success in your quest to win medals for your country,” Lillie told the athletes in rites at The Podium mall in Ortigas Center.

The delegation of 11 athletes from the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled will leave this weekend for the London games slated to be held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.

Burce, who suffered from polio at nine months old, credits the sport for shifting her perspective in life.  “I was a full-time mother for six years, then I got to thinking, why am I just at home? Then when I went out, I found sports,” she said.

Roger Tapia, Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, Isidro Vildosola, Andy Avellana, Josephine Medina, Beariza Ma. Roble, Achelle Guion and Agustin Kitan make up the Philippine contingent.