Phil Ambassador urges support for 4 Filipino Paralympians competing in France

Philippine Ambassador to France Junever Mahilum-West urged strong support for Filipino Paralympians competing in the 17th Paralympic Games, emphasizing the importance of inspiring a new generation of para-athletes.

Four athletes, including swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, and javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, remain in contention for medals with local Filipino communities in France ready to provide support.

Gawilan is set to compete in the men's 400m freestyle S7 event on Monday, while Otom will participate in the women's 50m backstroke S5 and 50m butterfly S5 events later in the week.

Mangliwan steps into the Stade de France for the qualifying heats of the men's 100m T52 race on Thursday, and Cendy Asusano closes out the Philippine campaign in the women's javelin throw F54 on Saturday.

The Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Paralympic Committee are working to improve para-sports development in the country, aligning with the core values of determination, inspiration, courage, and equality.