Gawilan, Bantiloc lead PH delegation at Paralympics opening

Veteran para-swimmer Ernie Gawilan and para-archer Agustina Bantiloc will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremonies of the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris on Wednesday, August 28.

The delegation includes wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, para taekwondo athlete Allain Ganapin, para swimmer Angel Otom, and para javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, along with coaches Gershon Bautista, Jonathan Josol, Berson Buen, and Brian Ong.

The Paris 2024 president, Tony Estanguet, announced that the opening ceremony will take place outdoors at Place de la Concorde to Champs-Élysées, marking a first for the Paralympic Games with an expected attendance of 500,000 people.

Coaches and athletes will wear ethnic-inspired uniforms during the festive rites, after which they will focus on their respective competitions. The Philippine delegation is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under Chairman Dickie Bachmann.

The country's 'Sensational Six' are among 4,350 athletes from 168 countries vying for victory in the two-week event, carrying hopes and prayers from Filipino fans and an often marginalized sector of society.