MANILA, Philippines – Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc will carry the flag for the six-strong Team Philippines in the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics on Wednesday, August 28.
Gawilan and Bantiloc were chosen to lead the delegation that includes wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, para swimmer Angel Otom, and para javelin thrower Cendy Asusano.
Bantiloc makes history as the first para archer to represent the country in the Paralympics, while Gawilan dons the national colors in the quadrennial showpiece for the third straight edition.
“We had several discussions about who will be the standard-bearers at the opening ceremony with the coaches and it was decided among us that Ernie and Tina are the athletes to do it,” Philippine chef de mission Ral Rosario.
Bantiloc said her flag-bearing stint is a confidence boost as the 56-year-old is the first Filipino to see action on Thursday.
“Of course, I’m proud and happy. This is a big help for me,” said Bantiloc.
Just like the Olympics, the opening ceremony of the Paralympics will be staged outside a stadium, with the para athletes parading from the Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde.
Team Philippines hopes to add to its all-time Paralympics medal haul that includes two bronzes courtesy of powerlifter Adelina Dumapong (2000 Sydney) and table tennis player Josephine Medina (2016 Rio de Janeiro). – Rappler.com
