Filipino para athletes ready to compete in London

MANILA, Philippines - The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic Delivery Authority announced the completion of Eton Manor on the Olympic Park, the venue for wheelchair tennis during the Paralympic Games.

Some 4,200 athletes from over 140 countries will be gathering for the largest Paralympic Games ever — bringing the Games back to the country that gave birth to the Paralympic movement in 1948, when Ludwig Guttmann organized a wheelchair archery competition at Stoke Mandeville hospital for 16 World War II soldiers with spinal cord injuries.

The Games will see 503 medal events across 11 days of competition.

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie expressed his excitement in welcoming Filipino athletes to compete in London.

“We are delighted to welcome athletes from all over the world, including the Philippines. These athletes will experience the most inclusive and accessible Games ever when they compete in London. All the Games venues have been designed in consultation with differently-abled people to ensure they are accessible for all,” Lillie said.

“I have personally met some of the Filipino paralympians, including bronze paralympic medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, and they are shining examples of how differently-abled people can lead independent, productive lives and become respected members of their community,” said Lillie.

For their part, the Filipino paralympic aspirants are preparing to pit themselves against the best in the world by undergoing an elite training program and competing in international events. Four to eight athletes are expected to qualify for the Games.

Two cyclists competed in the 1st Asia Para Cycling Championships Road 2012 held in Malaysia on Feb. 6-7. Arthus Bucay grabbed the top spot in the Road Race Men’s Class C2 and C3, earning two gold medals, while Godfrey Taberna bagged a silver medal in the Rod Race Men’s Class C4.

“We are aspiring to have our first gold medal for our Paralympians,” said PhilSPADA-National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines chairman Michael Barredo. “I think our cyclists and our power lifters have a good chance of getting a medal, although it’s very difficult to predict. The Paralympics is the highest level of competition for athletes with disabilities. The goal is certainly elusive but it’s something for our athletes to work hard for.”