Philippine team brings home medals

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Abu Dhabi: The Philippines’s Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 team has so far harvested 11 medals as of Tuesday.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelin M. Quintana presented the breakdown before a press conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Tuesday evening.

Sheila Galvez bested her Greek contender on Monday to win the gold medal in the Bocce singles female competition in the capital.

Janice Trinidad got hers by way of the Athletics 100-meter run in Dubai. Aivie Dungca grabbed the gold in the Gymnastics All-Around competitions, also in Abu Dhabi.

The silver medalists were Ryan Jay Hasim (Bocce), Alden Jimenez and James del Rosario (Athletics 200-meter run), Patricia Ildesa (Bowling), and Lemuel Batiloy (Badminton),

The bronzers were Marlon Tindoc (Powerlifting), Perlita Teves (Athletics 200-meter run), and Mizzel Dawa (Bowling). Quintana told Gulf Today: “I am extremely proud of our athletes and coaches who have competed during this week-long Special Olympics World Games 2019.”

Quintana who led the 39-strong contingent at the March 14 opening ceremonies at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, added: “I have interacted with them closely over the last few days and their personal journeys, as well as the team’s journey in reaching the World Games, have not been easy.

“Nevertheless, this did not discourage them and have even emerged triumphant.”

Quintana said the athletes are an inspiration.

She went on to say: “With the hosting of the games, the UAE has left no stone unturned in raising awareness of what people of determination can do.

“This message of inclusion and unity will be the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi.”

Special Olympics World Games chief executive officer Peter Wheeler congratulated the Filipino community and the team.

The team showed their prowess in other competitions namely aquatics, 7-A-Side traditional football, futsal, and rhythmic gymnastics.

They were accompanied by Special Olympics Philippines-National Board president/delegation head Delia Ortega, Special Olympics Philippines-National Sports director/delegation assistant head Darwin Engracia, and Special Olympics Philippines National Executive director Kaye Chastine Samson.

They were among the 7,500 athletes from 190 countries participating at the Golden Anniversary of the Games founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late US President John F. Kennedy who wanted to have everyone with intellectual disabilities get mainstreamed. Among the Kennedy siblings was a sister with intellectual disability.