Oh yes I can!

MANILA, Philippines - British Ambassador Stephen Lillie acknowledged the important role of Paralympians as catalysts for changing the negative perceptions about disability.

“History has proven that even a single image can have the power to evoke strong emotion, to change perceptions and to mobilize people into action. The Paralympics is an excellent platform to promote respect, acceptance and equality for persons with disabilities. We want to echo this message using the inspiring visual images featured in this photo exhibit,” Lillie said at the launch of the British embassy’s “I Can!” photography exhibition recently at The Podium in Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City.

As the London 2012 Paralympic Games opened last Wednesday, the Embassy and its partners launched the campaign to change the way people think, feel and behave towards disability and disability sport.

The embassy’s photo exhibition is harnessing the power of images to show the ability in disABILITY by aiming the lens on persons with disabilities leading active and productive lives.

The photos featured are the winners and finalists of the “I Can!” photography competition conducted in July to celebrate the countdown to the London 2012 Paralympics.

Winner Sheila Pamakid, whose entry titled “I Can be full” was declared both the Grand Winner and the Voter’s Choice. The photo shows swimmer Arnel Aba hopping ahead of able-bodied athletes as one-third of a triathlon relay team composed of persons with disabilities.

Sheila Pamakid’s grand prize and voter’s choice-winning shot, “I Can be full“ (above left). Rouelle Umali’s “I Can aim high for my dreams and reach for it“ (left) is deemed best published photo. Finalists include Ruwen Verdaguer’s “I Can be number 1!“ (top) and Genie Villota’s “I Can fulfill my dreams“ (above). ON THE COVER: “I Can soar“ by Mark Floro.

Rouelle Umali bagged the Best Published Photo title. His winning image, “I Can aim high for my dreams and reach for it,” captures Paralympian Andy Avellana in mid-air as he trains for a high jump competition.

The launch was graced by Filipino Paralympic athletes competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games ongoing until Sept. 9.

“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. By representing the Philippines in the London Paralympic Games, you are already bringing pride and glory to your country,” Lillie said.

“We hope that the Filipino community in the UK will be able to watch the Games live to cheer you on. While we cannot be there physically, we at the British embassy will join the rest of the country in support,” he said.

Before the opening of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, lone Filipino Paralympic medalist Adeline Dumapong expressed excitement over what may very well be her last Games.

“I Can go through life’s ups and downs“ by Kenneth Corpus (top). “I Can continue life after the accident and help the less fortunate through my profession“ by Jeana Manalaysay (above). “I Can inspire people“ by Jophel Ybiosa (right).

“It will be my fourth time competing in the Paralympics, and may very well be my last as I plan to retire in 2014. Every host country brings its own unique flavor to the Games, and in London I expect no less than a high level of competition that will break and set many records,” Dumapong said.

The London 2012 Paralympics promises to be the biggest ever in its history, with about 4,200 athletes competing in 20 sports. The Philippine delegation will field a team on nine, its biggest ever.

As more and more people participate in disability sports, an opportunity arises to use the Paralympics as a platform to dispel negative perceptions towards disability.

Dumapong herself realized her unique position as an agent for social change towards disability.

“My personal goal is to use sports as an avenue for raising awareness on the plight of persons with disabilities, and to eventually gain acceptance and equality. Being into sport can be the first step towards being in the mainstream of society,” she added.

The “I Can!” Photography Exhibition is organized by the British Embassy in Manila, in cooperation with the British Council, Samsung, PhilSPADA-NPC Philippines, SM Cares, The Podium and SM Program on Disability Affairs.

“I Can rise above any obstacle“ by Vincent Go (top). “I Can sell with my wheels“ by Moises Biason (above left). “I Can run“ by Vera Tandog (above).

The exhibit will run for the duration of the Paralympics and will be shown in ten SM Malls across the country.