Paralympics shows ability in disability - British envoy

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 at The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong last night.

With a few days to go until the opening of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, 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.    

Rouelle Umali bagged the Best Published Photo title. His winning image, dubbed “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.

Ten other photographs were named finalists: I Can soar (Mark Floro); I Can sell with my wheels (Moises Biason); I Can fulfil my dreams (Genie Villota); I Can continue life after the accident and help the less fortunate through my profession (Jeana Manalaysay); I Can chase my goals and exceed the expectations of others (Rouelle Umali); I Can inspire people (Jophel Ybiosa); I Can rise above any obstacle (Vincent Go); I Can go though life’s ups and downs (Kenneth Corpus); I Can be number 1! (Ruwen Verdaguer); and I Can run (Vera Tandog).

The launch was graced by the Filipino Paralympic athletes competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games slated Aug. 29-Sept. 9.

The “I Can!” photography exhibition is organized by the British Embassy in Manila, in cooperation with its partners: British Council, Samsung, Philspada-NPC Philippines, SM Cares, The Podium and SM Program on Disability Affairs.

The exhibit, open to the public, will run for the duration of the Paralympics and will be shown in 10 SM Malls across the country.