Hangzhou Asian Para Games-After 10-gold haul, PH para athletes to receive incentives

Now it's para athletes turn to receive incentives.

Recently, the Philippine government shelled out close to P42 million in incentives for Filipino athletes medalists of the 19th Asian Games.

After a 10-gold haul during the Asian Para Games (APG) that came to a close Saturday night in Hangzhou, China,the country' top para athletes deserve just as much- at the very least.

“I hope this will be the start that para athletes like us will be equally recognized as our able-bodied counterparts,’’ said para swimmer Ernie Gawilan in Filipino after pitching in his share to the collection with a gold and one bronze in the pool.

Philippine para athletes team wrapped up its campaign in the APG with a best finish of ninth place overall among 44 Asian countries.

Every Asian Games host country since 2010 in Guangzhou, China, practices equality by staging the Asian Para Games shortly after the continental meet, sending a strong message of parity.

Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

“We sacrifice and work as hard as regular athletes and give honor to our country, so I think we deserve it,’’ said Gawilan, who earned instant fame when the para swimmer from Davao City with no legs and an underdeveloped left arm won three golds in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia.

Chess players Menandro Redor, Cheyzer Mendoza, Darry Bernardo, Arman Subaste, Henry Roger Lopez, Jasper Rom and Sander Severino accounted for eight of the 10 gold medals that the Philippines captured in these Games.

Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan closed out the nation’s golden stint with a victory in the men’s 400-meter T52 race. ENJEL MANATO