Baguio para athletes seek spot in PH squad

AT LEAST three para athletes are keen on seeking a spot for the Philippine contingent bound for the 2017 Asean Para Games to be held later this year in Malaysia.

This early, the trio of Agustina Bantiloc, Giovanni Ola, and Allan Campos started their build–up hoping to get a call–up from the national para archers to participate in the weeklong competition in 16 para sports with more than 400 events.

Baguio Archery Club coach John Hongitan said he remains optimistic the trio will be able to represent the country in biennial meet.

“Sana they will be given a chance to compete in the Para Games. I believe they have what it takes to win a medal for the country,” said Hongitan.

Bantiloc, the two time bronze medalist in archery in the Asean Paralympic Games, has yet to get the prescribed wheelchair for archery following her plea early this year.

Hongitan said a donor has already pledged for the prescribed wheelchair for archery and will soon be delivered in time for her possible Asean Para Games appearance.

Originally a power lifter, Agustina was a silver medalist in the second Asean Paralympic Games with a record of 50 kilos in bench press before he trained in archery.

Aside from archery, events for the 9th Asean Para Games include athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, bowling, cycling, football 7-a-side, football 5-a-side, goalball, powerlifting, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball.

An estimated 2,500 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the biennial tournament.

The Malaysia Organizing Commission (Masoc) officials, led by chief executive officer Dato Seri Zolkples Embong, met with the heads of delegations from 11 countries during the Chef de Mission seminar held at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel last February 27.

The chefs de mission, which included Gerardo "Ral" Rosario from the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled, were updated on the preparation for the tournament and were also given a tour of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center and the Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil, where most of the sports will be held. (Roderick Osis)

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