CEBUANO Alex Niño Silverio will chase his dream to become one of the first Filipino paratriathletes to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, thanks to the support of a corporate sponsor and Cebu’s sports community.
Silverio and Cebu Parklane International Hotel signed a contract signifying the company’s support for Silverio’s races, for him to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
“I was encouraged by Sir Bobby Martinez (Parklane Tri Team’s manager) to dream big since paratri is a new even in the Paralympics. There’s a chance to get there if we work hard,” said the 29-year-old Silverio in a press conference yesterday.
The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (Trap) recently formed the Philippine ParaTriathlon Committee (PPTC), which will be tasked to handle the paratri national pool.
Currently, the paratriathlon national team has two members and Silverio is already guaranteed a slot in the team.
Paratriathlon was included in the Paralympics last 2016 in Rio Summer Games.
“We have seen the potential of Alex. It’s our quest to promote Cebu. We want to showcase promising Cebuano talents,” said the hotel’s general manager Cenelyn Manguilimotan.
“One of our goals is the inclusion of PWDs in sports. Not just Alex. We want to show that PWDs can also excel in sports,” said Martinez.
To get to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Silverio must join qualifying races and earn points to improve his ranking. One of his biggest races this year would be the 2018 Mt. Mayon ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup in August.
Silverio, who formerly worked as a mechanic, lost his left arm in a motorcycle accident and had battled depression before he got back on his knees. It was running that give him a fresh start.
“I stopped working (after the accident). I was depressed. I started running four years ago because I was overweight. After running I got hooked on triathlon,” said Silverio.
Silverio did a relay in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines before going into individual races at the 8080 San Remigio Triathlon in November last year. He’s currently working with coach Roland Remolino.
“It’s not only us. There are people who are helping Alex also, providing equipment and also giving him free access to pools. Cebuanos are helping him get to the Paralympics,” said Manguilimotan.
Paratriathlon covers a 750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run. (RSC)