Talks that the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics will be cancelled again has affected the hosting of the Paralympics.
But, the Philippine Paralympic Committee, which remained cautious, still named University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics Dean Francis Carlos Diaz as the country’s chef de mission to the Tokyo Paralympics.
And they have one sure qualifier for now with swimmer Ernie Gawilan, and another candidate in table tennis player Josephine Medina.
Gawilan, who grabbed the first Asian Para Games gold medal for Team Philippines in 2018, has already qualified to the Paralympics on Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
On the other hand, 2016 Paralympics bronze medalist Josephine Medina is also a favorite to book a seat in table tennis.
“We are looking forward to a busy calendar for our para athletes. In fact, preparations for major events this year have already started,” said PPC president Michael Barredo.
CDMs have also been named by the Philippine Olympic Committee to the 11th Asean Para Games in Hanoi, Vietnam (Dec. 17-23) and Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain (Dec. 1-10).
PPC secretary general Walter Torres will be the CDM in the Asean Para Games while Judd Anastacio has been tasked to handle the affairs in the Asian Youth Para Games.
Filipino para athletes have also begun to train their sights to the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China scheduled in the latter part of 2022.
Gawilan will be there defend his 200m individual medley crown.