Mandaue students win in Special Olympics

CEBU, Philippines – Catherine Alexandra Managay, 15, could not speak clearly. She finds it hard to complete her statements, and she pauses in between her words.

But her situation did not stop her from excelling in sports.

In the prestigious sports event for students with intellectual disabilities held recently in the United States, Managay reaped one gold, two silvers, and one bronze.

Managay, who was one of the 35 delegates of the Philippines to the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015 last July 25 to August 2, bested other delegates from other countries in four events in athletics, including the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, dance sports, and 4x100 meters relay.

She was all smiles when she met reporters yesterday while wearing her medals and athletic uniform. She said she was happy with what she has achieved.

“Nalipay ko nga nakakuha ko og medal,” she said with the help of her teacher-coach Carolina Ambray.

Managay  is currently a Level 7 student under the Transition Program of SPED. Her level is equivalent to Grade 7 or first year high school of the regular education curriculum.

She and five other students from Mandaue City Central SPED School were among those who represented the country.

Joining Managay in the athletics division are Merasol Cutamora and Gia Gestopa, who won two and three medals, respectively.

Filbert Cañete and Jesabell Cristry Mistula also competed in the badminton event. Cañete bagged the first gold for the Philippine delegation for the Special Olympics.

In total, Cañete gained two golds and one silver in three different badminton matches, while Mistula notched a silver.

Another athlete from Mandaue was Mizzel Dawa, 30. She won gold in the 25 meters freestyle in the aquatics division.

Dawa, a first-timer in the swimming competition, ruled over the delegates from Japan, USA, and Thailand.

According to the student-athletes’ principal-coach Maria Delia Miñoza, these students have limitations, particularly with their academics.

“Mga below average ni silang mga bataa with intellectual disabilities. Naa’y mga limitasyon sa pagsabot, in particular sa academics. Pero among gi-develop ang sports and vocational skills para sa ilahang future to have an independent living,” Miñoza said.

Miñoza said despite being intellectually challenged, they were still able to bring honor not only to their city, but to the whole country as well.

She said they also lived up to the Special Olympics’ motto: “Let me win. If I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”