PWD paddlers named modern-day heroes

IT was only two months ago when the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (Pads) Adaptive Dragonboat Racing Team won back-to-back titles in the International Paradragon Boat Championship in Hong Kong, and they are yet again adding another feat to their name.

The Cebu-based team, composed of differently abled athletes, is already making waves in the sports community.

But for the Cebu City Government, they are not just athletes. They are modern day heroes.

The City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission has recommended the adaptive dragon boat team as this year’s recipient of the Modern Day Hero Award.

They were the first and only cross-disability dragonboat team in the Philippines who became champions in their first international competition held in Naga City, Cebu in 2017.

The team was able to make their victory back-to-back after winning the 400-meter standard boat category with a total of 14 points after two rounds of the International Paradragon Boat Championship last June.

The event is one of the biggest international dragonboat racing events in the world with more than 100 local and international teams from different countries.

The team trains under the guidance of a former Philippine Dragonboat National Pioneering Team member, Coach Ailene Padrones, assisted by Cebuano coach Christian Ian Sy.

They are also led by their team captain, Arnold Balais, who is a multi-awarded Paralympian and swimmer.

Aside from their triumph in the international competition, the team was chosen as modern day heroes for empowering differently abled persons.

Pads launched its adaptive dragonboat team as its flagship program.

A non-profit organization, it breaks stereotypes and encourages the differently abled to grow as independent individuals.

Before the awarding ceremony during the National Heroes Day celebration tomorrow, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. to honor the fallen heroes at the Plaza Sugbo. RTF

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