ABU DHABI—Agustina Bantiloc, the first archer from the Philippines in the Paralympics, will be at the vanguard of the nation’s campaign with seasoned swimmer Ernie Gawilan as flag bearers in the opening ceremony of the 17th staging of these Summer Games to be held outside of a stadium on Wednesday at Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.
“Proud and happy, that’s what I feel right now. This will definitely strengthen my campaign,’’ said Bantiloc in Filipino.
Bantiloc will be the first Filipino to see action on Thursday at Esplanade des Invalides archery range for the women’s individual compound event.
She formed part of the historic duo that claimed the nation’s first podium finish in the Para Archer Paralympic Qualifiers last year in Thailand by snatching the bronze medal from favored South Korea.
“I have adapted to the environment, so I just need to stay focused throughout the tournament,’’ said Bantiloc.
Gawilan, a four-time Asian Para Games gold medalist who saw action during the 2021 Games in Tokyo, is another bright prospect for a podium performance along with wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, who is on his third consecutive Paralympics.
“I’m sure our para athletes will do their best and let’s all hope and pray for their success, [as they] make our country proud,’’ said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo.
Filipino athletes have brought home a pair of bronzes from these Games, with powerlifter Adeline Dumapong in 2000 Sydney and Josephine Medina of table tennis in the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.
Three other athletes in swimmer Angel Otom, javelin thrower Cendy Asusano and taekwondo’s Allain Ganapin will be seeking to fly the Philippine flag high in the fashion capital.
“Let’s all rally behind our six Paralympians similar to, if not more, to what we gave their able-bodied counterparts in the Olympics,’’ said Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann, who will attend the grand outdoor opening rites. INQ
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