2012 London Olympics Filipino Paralympians honored

MANILA, Philippines - Nine Filipino Paralympians who competed in last year’s London Paralympic Games were honored recently at the SM Aura Premier.

Marites Burce (Athletics), Isidro Vildosola (Athletics), Andy Avellana (Athletics), Achelle Guion (Powerlifting), Agustin Kitan (Powerlifting), Roger Tapia (Athletics), Josephine Medina (Table Tennis), Beariza Ma Roble (Swimming), and Adeline Ancheta (Powerlifting) likewise received through the Philippines Sports Association for the Differently-Abled—serving as the country’s National Paralympic Committee—a check worth P120,000 from Shadowfax Events.

“I congratulate the nine Filipinos who represented their country in the London 2012 Paralympics,” says British Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Trevor Lewis. “They are shining examples of courage, perseverance and the indomitable spirit – traits that every athlete, whatever their ability, must possess.  They are truly a credit to their country and we wish them well today, as we did just over a year ago when they left to compete in London.”

PhilSPADA-NPC Philippines Chairman Michael Barredo added that Para athletes work as hard, if not more as their able-bodied counterparts to give pride to the country.

“We hope that the spirit of the London 2012 Games will carry on to Rio and beyond, giving equal attention to the Olympics and the Paralympics,” Barredo says. We hope that more people will be inspired and continue to support our efforts towards the promotion and development of sports for persons with disabilities and the Paralympic movement.”

The event also marked the launch of the third and final leg of the “Run for Pinoy Glory 2013 – A Gift to our Filipino Paralympians”, which will be held on September 8 at the Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand in Quezon City.

Registration for the run starts on 1 August 2013 in selected Chris Sports Outlets and Fitness and Athletics in Bonifacio Global City with three categories to choose from: 3K, 5K and 10K.

A photo exhibit of the legacy of the Paralympics was also launched to highlight the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion. It will be on display in SM Aura Premier and selected SM malls in Manila.

The event was organized by Shadowfax Events in cooperation with the British Embassy, SM Aura Premier and PhilSPADA.