Para athletes get training ground

This is our way to help them in their preparation for the Asean Para Games

Differently abled athletes found a home as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) opened the doors of the Philsports Complex for their training in preparation for the 10th Asean Para Games.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said the complex has yet to be formally turned over, but they are already allowing the para athletes to use it in preparation for the prestigious biennial meet from 21 to 27 March.

Together with the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Teachers Camp, Philsports underwent a massive facelift through the donation given by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation worth P842 million.

Although Philsports Arena hosted the volleyball competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, renovations in the entire facility has yet to be formally completed.

But Ramirez stressed that they are opening their doors early to give differently abled athletes a venue to train.

“The renovations done in both Rizal Memorial and Philsports are primarily for our elite athletes,” Ramirez said, adding that para athletes are now free to use the facilities inside Philsports.

“This is our way to help them in their preparation for the Asean Para Games. The tournament will not be easy so we’re more than glad to host their training and preparation.”

Philippine Paralympic Committee executive director Dennis Esta extended their gratitude to the PSC, saying that it inspires the athletes to work hard knowing that the government is fully behind their endeavor.

Esta said athletes who will train at Philsports complex are those from athletes, power lifting and sitting volleyball.

“Our national para athletes are inspired to work harder as they use the new facilities inside Philsports. We thank the PSC for supporting us,” Esta said.

Meanwhile, noted para swimmer Ernie Gawilan, Garry Bejino and the rest of the team were also allowed to train at the New Clark City aquatics center, a state-of-the art venue that was certified as Class 1 by the International Aquatics Federation.

“We want to duplicate the success of Team Philippines in the SEA Games,” Ramirez said.

“That’s why the PSC will continue to give its full backing to more than 280 para athletes who will compete in the Para Games.”

A total of 16 sports will be disputed in the Asean Para Games that would be held in 14 competition venues in Metro Manila, Subic and Clark.