'Kahit Sino, Kaya!' Short film empowers Filipino para athletes in time for Paralympics 2024
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GCash Stories shines the spotlight on champion para-powerlifter and coach Adeline ‘Adz’ Dumapong
MANILA, Philippines — After the successful and historical Paris Olympics, the world is now celebrating and cheering on exceptional athletes at the Paralympics 2024.
Just in time for this global sports event, finance super app GCash has unveiled another powerful chapter of GCash Stories, one that shines the spotlight on champion para-powerlifter and advocate for para-athletes, Adeline “Adz” Dumapong.
GCash Stories is a digital series featuring modern-day Filipinos and how GCash has empowered them to achieve their hopes and dreams through financial progress.
The new short film—titled “Adz”—presents the seemingly endless challenges faced by para-athletes and, more importantly, rallies support for grassroots para-athletes in their journey of becoming professional or national athletes someday.
Adz’s journey began in Kiangan, Ifugao, where she contracted polio at age three, resulting in her inability to walk. She spent her youth at Bahay Mapagmahal, where she eventually discovered para-powerlifting with her friends through the support of the Rehab Department of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.
She made history as the Philippines’ first Paralympic medalist when she won bronze at the Sydney Games in 2000. Since then, she has earned 19 international medals, showing that disability does not limit one’s potential.
Adz has retired from competitive powerlifting, but she remains a dedicated advocate for the disability community.
She contributes her expertise to WOWLEAP Inc., a women-led organization that focuses on inclusivity and empowerment. As the organization’s project manager, she leads initiatives aimed at promoting economic independence and social awareness for individuals with disabilities.
“As an athlete with a disability, I thought I understood our sector’s challenges. However, my role at WOWLEAP and interactions with women leaders have broadened my perspective on the community’s needs. I realized the importance of education and awareness about the struggles faced by persons with disabilities. This has strengthened my commitment to support my community and assist women with disabilities across the country,” Adz shares, reflecting on her advocacy work.
In addition to volunteering at WOWLEAP and coaching the next generation of athletes with disabilities, Adz is always present in sports clinics, workshops and other events, where she speaks on disability sensitivity, resilience and inclusion.
Her ongoing efforts continue to inspire many, and GCash has chosen her uplifting story in its latest GCash Stories release, which perfectly aligns with the spirit of the ongoing Paralympics 2024 in Paris.
The short film shows the challenges faced by aspiring para-athletes, from financial constraints to lack of support and visibility.
“Adz is a true inspiration,” says Neil Trinidad, chief marketing officer of GCash. “Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential in every individual, regardless of their abilities. We hope this film sparks a conversation about the need for inclusion and progress, particularly for the community of persons with disabilities.”
Watch Adz’s inspiring story in the full "Adz" short film here:
In its commitment to supporting the PWD community, GCash has partnered with key organizations.
The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) to foster an inclusive workplace, and pledged to implement comprehensive policies, innovative programs and accessible facilities by 2025.
GCash has also partnered with WOWLEAP Inc. to pledge support for their capacity-building programs.
In collaboration with Visa, the company has also donated wheelchairs to the Philippine Orthopedic Center, with hope that these will help them retain their independence and enhance their quality of life.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like the NCDA and WOWLEAP to support the PWD community,” states Winsley Bangit, group head of new businesses and wealth management at GCash.
“Adz’s story embodies our mission of financial inclusion. We are committed to working closely with the PWD sector to provide financial education and support, ensuring equal opportunities for all,” he adds.
And just like the people who have supported Adz and her team throughout the years, you can also contribute to their cause by using GCash, where your transactions help uplift persons with disabilities and para-athletes.
Editor’s Note: This #BrandSpace story is created with GCash. It is produced by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
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