Boy with Down Syndrome finds joy in running

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Philippines – Five-year-old Angel Mariano had his first three-kilometer gig during yesterday’s 39th National Milo Marathon Finals in his family’s home province.

He didn’t finish the race eventually, but the boy with a slight case of Down Syndrome clearly had fun running with dad Ener, mom Imelda, sister Ella, relatives and church-mates and took joy in seeing a lot of new faces, too.

“Mahilig siya tumakbo,” said Ener, a high school teacher from Magalang town.

The family has been joining fun runs for three years now for its health benefits as well as the opportunity for family bonding.

Urging Angel to tag along for the first time wasn’t hard.

“Kapag maraming kasama, sasama siya, basta may nakitang tumatakbo, sumasabay siya,” said Ener.

The Marianos see the races as a good tool to help in the growth and development of Angel.

 “Ine-expose na rin namin siya sa mga tao para na rin masanay,” said Ener.