Ex-firecracker victim wins 2nd Paragames gold

LAGUNA — Arman Dino of Cebu Province topped the men’s T46 100-meter dash to become the meet’s double gold medalist in the 2nd Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PSC-PhilSpada) Para National Games at the Laguna Sports Complex track oval yesterday.

The one-armed Dino, who lost his right arm to a “Super Lolo” in 1992, finished in 11.81 seconds for his second gold, a feat that may earn him a spot in the national team, according to head coach Joel Deliada.

“We are really looking for new talents. And Dino has only two days of practice before the Games. So, we are considering him for the national team that will see action in the 2014 Asean Games in Myanmar in January,” said Deliada.

Finishing a far second was Lemuel Garcia, who clocked in at 14.76 seconds, while Ricardo Domingo was third with a time of 15.10 seconds.

“It’s really fun to compete here, I enjoy it,” said the 28-year-old Dino, who won his first gold in the T46 400-m run in a stunning upset win over Paralympian Isidro Vildosola on Tuesday.

Last Tuesday, Dinodefied the heat to capture the first gold in athletics in 58.58 seconds. Vildosola, a 1,500-meter run seventh placer in the 2012 London Paralympics, got second place in 59.58 seconds.

“I was a victim of ‘Super Lolo’ when I was just seven years old. But I managed to overcome my predicament and went on to finish high school. When I started joining athletics events, it kept my hopes alive and I also began participating in several singing contest as a way of living,” said Dino.

Upsets marred the second day action in medal-rich athletics as 2012 London Paralympics sixth placer Andy Avellana was relegated to second in the men’s F58 discuss throw by newcomer Clover Lauyan, who hit 26.20 meters.