Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, August 29, shared an inspirational message and extended his support to the six Filipino athletes competing in the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Marcos lauded the athletes by calling them “champions” for exemplifying the spirit of the Filipino people. Six Filipino’s, namely Angel Mae Otom, Allain Keanu Ganapin, Agustina Maximo Bantiloc, Cendy Asusano, Ernie Gawilan, and Jerrold Pete Mangliwan, will represent the country at the showpiece event for Paralympic athletes.
𝗧𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘂 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻, 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗼𝗺, 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗰, 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼, 𝗘𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻 :
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) August 29, 2024
As you represent the Philippines in the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰… pic.twitter.com/3DbNj2rBYE
“Your commitment to your training as elite athletes, despite the challenges you face, exemplifies the spirit of the Filipino people. No accolade, praise, or reward can truly return the pride you bring to our country. As you take on the world stage at the Paralympics, remember that the whole nation is with you, supporting you every step of the way,” Marcos said in a statement. This statement underscores the unity and support of the Filipino people for their athletes, transcending beyond sports to become a matter of national pride.
Marcos further encouraged the athletes by urging them to compete with the heart of Filipino warriors, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the Filipino community. “Compete with the heart of Filipino warriors, and show the world the strength of our people. We are all immensely proud of you. Best of luck, and Mabuhay ang Team Pilipinas,” he added. This call to action not only inspires the athletes but also galvanizes the entire nation to rally behind their representatives.
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games commenced on August 28, just over two weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Games. The event features 4,350 athletes from 168 countries competing in various disciplines, all aiming to bring glory to their respective nations. For the Filipino athletes, participating in such a prestigious event is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support they receive from their country.
The Philippines’ Paralympic delegation left for Paris on August 11, embarking on a journey filled with high hopes and dreams of achieving success on the global stage. The games are set to end on September 8, marking nearly two weeks of intense competition, perseverance, and inspiring stories from athletes around the world. The participation of Filipino athletes in the Paralympics is not just about winning medals; it's about representing the resilience and spirit of the nation, overcoming obstacles, and making their mark on the world stage.
One of the athletes, Angel Mae Otom, expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the government and the Filipino people. "It means a lot to us athletes to have the support of our president and our fellow countrymen. We are motivated to give our best and make the Philippines proud," said Otom. Her sentiments echo the collective mindset of the Filipino athletes, who draw strength from the encouragement of their country.
Another athlete, Ernie Gawilan, shared how he has been preparing for the games. “Training has been rigorous, but knowing that the entire nation is behind us gives us the energy to push through. We are not just competing for ourselves; we are carrying the hopes and dreams of every Filipino,” Gawilan said. His words reflect the immense pressure and responsibility that these athletes feel as they represent the Philippines on such a significant platform.
OKBET, Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports betting platform, has also shown its support for the Filipino Paralympians. The platform encourages sports enthusiasts to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events, including the achievements of Filipino athletes in the Paralympics. By visiting OKBET, fans can follow the progress of their favorite athletes and join the nation in celebrating their victories and accomplishments.
As the games progress, the support from President Marcos, the government, and the Filipino community remains unwavering. The inspirational messages and encouragement serve as a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience that define the Filipino spirit. The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris not only offer an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talents but also highlight the collective pride and support of a nation that stands behind them every step of the way.
With each competition, the six Filipino athletes are not just striving for medals; they are also breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope and pride for the entire nation, exemplifying the true essence of what it means to be a Filipino.
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