By Aeron Bautista
A five-year hiatus in the ASEAN Para Games has fueled the Philippine para-athletes’ and their coaches’ thirst for competition.
Ernie Gawilan, country’s first gold medalist in the Asian Para Games, said this at the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum on Tuesday as he vowed to do his best in the coming multi-sports ASEAN competition scheduled from July 30 to Aug. 6 in Surakarta, Indonesia.
“Ito po ‘yung first time ulit kami na sasampa sa ASEAN Para Games. Lahat naman ng mga para-athletes gigil na makapag-uwi ng karangalan para sa bansa, gagawin po namin ang lahat sa abot po ng aming makakaya,” Gawilan said.
The 31-year-old Davao swimmer last competed in the multi-sport competition during the 2017 ASEAN Para Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he bagged two golds, one silver and two bronze medals.
He vowed to improve his time in the competition in order to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“Target po talaga namin ngayon ‘yung time, kasi ‘yun and pagbabasihan sa Paralympics. At least ngayon, may pagbabasihan ‘yung coach namin kung ano ang gagawin sa susunod na taon para makalapit sa qualifying time ng Paris 2024,” he added.
Gawilan is set to join the 400-meter freestyle, 200-individual medley, 100-meter backstroke and two 4×100-meter relays.
Philippine para athletic coach Joel Deriada, who also graced the forum, acknowledges the government’s support to the athletes and coaches and even mentioned that the absence of competition made their players hungry for action.
“Wala kaming ginawa dito kung hindi kain, tulog, training and we are well supported here,” said Deriada. “All out ang support, everything is provided for here, from medical assistance, to nutritionist, everything na kailangan ng isang atleta.”
Gawilan and his teammates and coaches started their bubble training last June 6 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.
“Maganda ang mga previous time trials namin nila coach dahil maganda po ang pinageensayuhan namin,” said Gawilan. “’Yung swimming pool po namin dito sa Ultra, renovated, pang competition pool na po ‘yung standard niya.”
The Philippine Paralympic team, a 212-member delegation, composed of 144 athletes, playing for 12 sports, leaves on July 26 for Solo, Indonesia.
“We need more prayers, sana maiwasan lang namin ang mga injuries, kasi so far ‘yan ang nakikita kong na kalaban namin. Sana through your prayers, maiwasan namin ‘yan,” Deriada said.