La Union Athletes Haul 64 Medals in the 2018 Special Olympics Phil. National Games
[wp-svg-icons icon="user" wrap="span"] By: Rafael Mosuela | [wp-svg-icons icon="camera" wrap="span"] By: Rafael Mosuela | [wp-svg-icons icon="calendar" wrap="span"] Date: August 5, 2018
Special Olympics La Union Delegation actively participate in the Special Olympics National Games held at the sprawling ground of the Quirino Sports Complex, Bantay, Ilocos Sur from August 1 to 4, 2018.
Athletes from the province of La Union stamped their class by snaring 34 Gold 24 Silver 6 Bronze medals during the recently concluded Special Olympics National Games held at the sprawling ground of the Quirino Sports Complex, Bantay, Ilocos Sur from August 1 to 4, 2018.
A total of 160 intellectually disabled athletes from eleven Special Olympics chapters, which include La Union, CALABARZON, Occidental Mindoro, Iloilo, Mandaue, Vigan City, Palawan, NCR South, NCR North, competed in Aquatics, Athletics, Bocce, Basketball, Soccer 5A- side, Soccer 7A- side, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics. La Union sent out 34 athletes from the different parts of the province.
The athletes were able to bring home 34 gold medals 24 silver medals, 6 bronze medals from competing in various sports events.
Among those athletes are multi-gold medalists Janice Trinidad who won three golds in the 50, 100 and 200-meter dashes; Carlito Naoe, who got three golds in the 50, 100 and 200-meter dashes, and Shiela Galvez got a gold in Bocce singles division. Team La Union who snared gold in Relay and Team La Union also got gold in the Bocce
The other medalists were Glienes Tamondon who got gold, silver, and bronze medals in 50m, 100m, and 200m and Harold Jay Comilang who garnered two 2 silver and 1bronze medals in 50m, 100m and 200m.
According to Special Olympics President, Ms. Delia Ortega, Special Olympics Philippines continues with dedication and enthusiasm in fulfilling its mission to provide year round sports training and athlete competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other special Olympics athletes and the community.
Ms. Ortega also said that some athletes who are competing in this year’s Special Olympics Philippines National Games dream of being selected to represent the Philippines at the 2019 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE in March next year. “It is the dream of any athletes to compete for their country on the World stage and wish them all well as they begin that journey here,” she said. However, she stressed that it is important to remember that success is not only measured in medals. By being a part of the National Games, they have already proven that they are remarkable athletes who have courage, determination and perseverance in the face of challenges.
The Provincial Government of La Union under the leadership of Gov. Francisco Emmanuel ”Pacoy” R. Ortega has been very supportive to the undertakings of the Special Olympics Philippines – La Union especially in their participation in international events.
Last August 16, Vice Governor Aureo Augusto Q. Nisce welcomed the athletes led by Special Olympics President Delia Ortega who paid a courtesy call during the Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The Special Olympics is a global movement that empowers people with intellectual disability to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society through a transformative power and joy of sports.
The Special Olympics is now on its 50th year since it was founded in Maryland by Eunice Kennedy Shriver whose own member of her family had down syndrome.
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