BENGUET is expected to host close to 1,500 athletes when the Philippine Sports Commission launches the first 2019 Pilipinas Para Games in the province on May 9 to 11.

PSC oversight commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin said that the sporting event is the successor of the Differently-Abled Sports for Life (DAS4Life) program from last year.

“From last year’s DAS4Life program that was city-wide, this year’s Pilipinas Para Games will now have a country-wide scope that will reach more talents and promising para-athletes across the country,” said Agustin.

Thirteen municipalities in Benguet will compete in eight sports namely chess, badminton, volleyball for the deaf, powerlifting, table tennis, athletics and goalball, with archery and wheelchair basketball as demo sports.

“We have added more sports events in the program to encourage and cater more para-athletes in sports,” added Agustin.

A coordination meeting was conducted between the PSC and the local government of Benguet last month in preparation for the games which is also in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee.

The event is a new venture of the PSC. (SunStar Baguio)