President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday lauded the Para Athletes who won medals in the 4th Asian Para Games in China, saying that they inspired every Filipino and the nation for their feat.

“You fall into a very special category because beyond the glory that you bring to our country, you continue to inspire the nation. You continue to inspire every Filipino,” President Marcos said during the awarding of incentives for the Para athletes in Malacañang.

“Kung kaya niya, kung kaya nila na magkamedalya, kung kaya nila sa kanilang kondisyon— eh nagagawa nila ito, eh siguro naman tayong pangkaraniwan na Pilipino ay mas lalo pa nating kaya.”

What inspires all Filipinos, he said, is seeing their countrymen overcome the difficulties that they have been born with but nonetheless have overcome those difficulties to bring glory, not only to themselves and their families but also to their country.

According to the President, the athletes have shown the country the image of what a dauntless Filipino should be.

“You have projected that adversity can be overcome, impairment can harness inspiration, and barriers can be bridges to triumphs,” he said, noting that they are the poster boys and girls for surmounting the odds.

“Kung kaya n’yo, kaya ng lahat ng Pilipino.
Kung kaya ng Philippine Para-athletic National Team, kaya ng Pilipinas, kaya ng Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said.

The Office of the President provided the athletes monetary awards totalling PhP13.45 million in addition to the incentives provided under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

The country won a total of 19 medals during the 4th Asian Para Games: 10 gold, four silver, and five bronze.

Those who won gold medal received P1 million, P500,000 for silver, and P200,000 for bronze.

The Philippines finished 9th overall out of the 44 participating countries in the sporting event held in Hangzhou, China. PND