DIFFERENTLY-ABLED basketeers had the time of their lives recently when they played the La Salle-College of St. Benilde Blazers, NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball runners-up, in a friendly match at the Sports and Dormitory Complex in Pasay City.
Blazer mainstays Jhomel Ancheta, Matthew Oli, Gab Cometa, SJ Moore and Anton Eusebio got to scrimmage with the physically-challenged players as part of the school’s “Beyond Limit University Tour” outreach program in collaboration with Project Empower, a group whose passion and advocacy is to lift the quality of life of persons with disabilities and marginalized youth.
Besides the Blazers, the PWD cagers have also played with the UP Maroons and the Arellano University Generals.
The one-day activity was a joint effort of the Benilde Center for Sports Development (CSD), School of Environment and Design, Center for Social Action, Center for Inclusive Education, and School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies and Best Buddies Philippines, according to CSD director Stephen Fernandez.
Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit group that advocates and supports those with intellectual and developmental challenges.
“This event is not just a powerful celebration of sports but a reminder that regardless of physical limitations and abilities, everyone deserves recognition and respect,” Fernandez stressed.
PSC Commissioner Walter Francis Torres, who was also a guest during the program, emphasized the importance of staying fit in all aspects.
“Ito ay isang programa na isinusulong ng PSC – ‘yung adaptive sports or adaptive physical activity,” Torres said. “It’s really to encourage the PWD sector to be physically active and engage themselves in sports.”
Powerlifter Adeline Dumapong Ancheta, a bronze medalist at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, likewise shared her inspiring journey with the participants.
“Maganda ang sports kasi sabi nila it is a great equalizer. Kasi ‘pag nasa court na tayo, ‘pag nasa track na tayo, ‘pag nasa competition venue na tayo, pantay-pantay na lahat,” Ancheta said.
“Ang pinag-uusapan doon ay ang determination at ang puso. Sana dumating ang panahon na mas magiging pantay at pareho ‘yung pagtingin sa mga taong may kapansanan,” she pointed out.
Other notable attendees included actor-turned-director David Chua, Project Empower founder and CEO JD Castro, Best Buddies Philippines executive director Michelle Aventajado, Best Buddies Philippines ambassadors Engr. Paolo Reyes and Clarence Cruz, disability rights advocate Gabriel Barba, Benilde associate professor Dr. Maribel Tubera, and Benilde faculty member and architect Matthew Chua.
