THE six national para athletes bound for the Paris Paralympic Games will have a 10-day “tapering” camp in Nimes, Frances before taking part in the quadrennial meet opening in August, according to Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo.
Departing from tradition, the opening ceremony of the quadrennial sports showcase featuring the world’s best para athletes will be held on Aug. 28 at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees.
“Our six athletes will have a 10-day tapering camp in Nimes, France for the Paris Paralympic Games with the approval of the Philippine Sports Commission,” said Barredo, who thanked PSC chairman Richard Bachmann for supporting the endeavor.
National para track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, para swimmers Angel Mae Otom and Ernie Gawilan, para archer Agustina Bantiloc and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin will represent the country in Paris.
“Not only will this give our para athletes the chance to adjust to the conditions in France but also give them ample time to bond with each other, considering that four are making their Paralympic Games debut in Cendy, Allain, Angel and Agustina,” Barredo noted.
PPC deputy secretary general Milette Santiago-Bonoan said it was mutually agreed upon by national para athletics coach Joel Deriada and para swimming counterpart Tony Ong that the camp would be held in Nimes, France since the facility they will use has an Olympic-size indoor pool.
