TAIPEI — The climb may be too steep, but someone has to do it for the Philippines, which begins its hunt for medals in archery, diving, judo, swimming, taekwondo and weightlifting in the 29th Summer Universiade here today (Sunday).
Archers Loren Chloe Balaoing and Shanaya Rose Dangla of University of Baguio start the tough grind for the Filipinos in the five-day archery competitions at the Taiwan Sports University Stadium.
In taekwondo, Ann Janeth Garcia and Danielle Noreen Sacbibit plunge into action at the Taoyuan City Arena, with fellow jins Glenn Harold Salgado, Erson Macatangay, Gabriel Joshua Ancheta and
Peebles Jerkin Pintuca.
The sport of taekwondo produced a silver medal for the country in the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade when no one was looking, courtesy of Far Eastern University star Samuel Thomas Morrison.
In judo, the -six-man team of Rainer Zaparita, Boniwell Amistad, Fred Aclopen, Norvy Estalin, Jazlen D. Awitan and Sylvia Carame of Cordillera open their five-day campaign at the Hsinchi County gymnasium.
Weightlifters Elien Rose Perez, Kurk Kuffka Abala, Clark Cuico and Elie Perez Jr. then take their turn at the Tamkang University Shaomo Memorial gymnasium, before lone diving participant Monique Ann Demaisip sees action at the University Taipei Diving Hall.
Swimming competitions will also get underway with the first batch of Filipino tankers from the Philippine Swimming League taking part in the qualifying heats in two venues: Taiwan Sports University and Taipei City Breeze Canal.
The country's top swimmer Marie Claire Adorna, however, will not compete until the sixth day on Aug. 25.
Adorna, a veteran of the 2013 Universiade in Kazan, Russia, is also scheduled to swim in the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before flying to Taipei.
Federation of School Sports Asdociation of the Philippines (FESSAP) president David Ong, FESSAP chairman and delegation head Alvin Tai Lian, Filipino Chinese Chsmber of Commerce and Industries (FCCCI) honorary president and flag-bearer Angel Ngu and San Miguel Corp. executive Col. Ariel Querubin urged the Filipino athletes to do their best and bring honor to the country.
"Just do your best for our country, bring glory to your country. I wish everyone good luck," Ong told Filipino athletes during a get-together at the Universiade Village.