THE PHILIPPINES will sail out to eclipse its efficiency within the final staging of the ASEAN Para Video games a 12 months in the past in Solo, Indonesia because it wades into battle on this 12 months’s version set June 3 to 9 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“Surpass the medal haul of 28 gold, 30 silver and 46 bronze medals from the final APG,” mentioned Philippine Sports activities Fee board member and the nationwide staff’s Phnom Penh Video games chef-de-mission Walter Torres.
Mr. Torres mentioned they might ship a greater staff on this one because the 259-strong delegation boasts of veterans from the three sports activities that accounted for all its golden harvest in Solo — swimming (12 gold), chess (10) and athletics (six).
Apparently, the nation can be utilizing the biennial tilt as a part of its preparations for larger competitions forward — the Hangzhou Asian Para Video games late this 12 months and the Paris Paralympics subsequent 12 months.
“Our veteran Para athletes from athletics, swimming and chess are stronger and motivated to do even higher in preparation for the Asian Para Video games in Hangzhou and qualifying resulting in the Paris Paralympics,” mentioned Mr. Torres.
The squad has additionally inserted groups in purpose ball and soccer for the primary time with hopes so as to add to the nation’s medal haul.
“We even have new groups in goalball and soccer the place we’re making a debut with a chance of a podium end,” he mentioned.
The staff will likely be paced anew by Sander Severino, who emerged essentially the most be-medalled Filipino with 4 gold in chess in Solo, and flag-bearer Ariel Alegarbes, who had three gold in swimming. — Joey Villar