LOOK: Team Philippines parades in style at Paris Paralympics opener
MANILA, Philippines – After a successful run in the Olympic Games over two weeks ago, Filipino Paralympians hope to likewise deliver a winning campaign in Paris after kicking off their bid in style.
Clad in colorful, ethnic-inspired outfits, Team Philippines marched during the parade of nations of the festive opening ceremony at the iconic Place de la Concorde and Champs-Élysées in the French capital on Wednesday, August 28 (Thursday, August 29, Manila time).
The Filipino athletes donned national costumes made of “banaca,” a fine blend of banana and abaca fibers, in a unique ensemble designed by celebrated “weave artiste” and fashion designer Ditta Sandico.
Veteran para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc served as flag bearers for the Philippines’ six-athlete delegation, the country’s biggest Paralympic contingent since 2012.
Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, para swimmer Angel Otom, para javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin round out the country’s Paris bets.
Also joining the Filipino athletes in the parade of nations were coaches Gershon Bautista of archery, track and field’s Jonathan Josol, taekwondo’s Berson Buen, and swimming’s Brian Ong.
A total of 4,350 athletes from 168 countries will compete in the world’s biggest sporting event for the differently abled after the Paralympics’ first outdoor curtain-raiser, which was similar to the Olympic opener held at the River Seine and culminated in front of the Trocadéro.
“Your mere appearance in the Paralympic Games completes everyone’s dream for an inclusive sporting community,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann in a statement.
Bantiloc, the pride of Tanudan, Kalinga and the oldest member of Team Philippines at 56 years old, opens the country’s campaign in the women’s individual compound open ranking round at the archery range in Les Invalides on Thursday at 1 pm (7 pm, Manila time).
– Rappler.com