The Philippine Online Chronicles

While the Philippines has long struggled to place in the regular Olympics, special athletes have already proven their might in the international circuit, showing that mental and physical impairments do not prevent one from doing great things.

During the 13^th World Summer Games in Athens, Greece last June 20 to July 4, 38 intellectually disabled Filipinos brought home 49 medals, including 21 golds from athletics, powerlifting, swimming, bocce, and rhythmic gymnastics.

The team, headed by Special Olympics President Ma. Theresa Macapagal, also garnered 13 silver and 15 bronze medals from 22 sports events.

Special Olympics Philippines (SOP) National Executive Director Alex Babst described these athletes as “winners in their struggle for respect in their diversity, they are winners in their struggle for self-esteem, they are winners in their struggle to defend their special abilities.”

Intellectually challenged Filipinos take part in training, competitions and other events through the SOP programs which include Healthy Athletes, Athlete Leadership Program, Young Athletes Program, Unified Sports, Global young Athletes Program, and Family Support Program.

Winners

Among the winners is 22-year-old Luis John Decalongon from Iloilo. Decalongon was a student of the SPED-Integrated School for Exceptional Children who made a name for himself by winning four medals during the 2007 Special Olympics in Beijing, China.

His eight-month preparation led him to take another four medals in powerlifting in the 2011 games.

Another competitor was runner Emilda Soriano, who won a gold medal, two silver medals, and a bronze in track and field during the 12^th Philippine Special Olympics.

Emilda, also one of the delegates and a student of the SPED school, was able to surpass obstacles through the continuous support from her family.

Since her family could not afford the over one hundred peso budget for everyday practice, her mother would accompany her in a 4-km walk going to the local sports complex.

Other world-renowned disabled athletes include Japanese swimmer Mayumi Narita, South African Oscar Pistorius known as the fastest man without legs, and our very own 2000 Paralympics powerlifting bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong.

Building confidence

The support of the athlete's family has been emphasized as crucial in helping intellectually-disabled children gain confidence in their involvement in sports.

Sports-related competitions also help those with intellectual problems to develop a sense of accomplishment and help them towards working hard and winning. In addition, it allows them to interact with other people, and be self-reliant.

According to SOP volunteer Orly Marquez, children with mental disabilitie have intelligence and capability so “they should not be treated like abnormals.”

In addition, special athletes are not after fame or recognition, but simply seek self-improvement.

Investing in and helping these talents will make the Philippines win big not only in sports, but as a nation uplifting the physically and mentally challenged.