PHL to send 46 athletes to Athens World Games

The Philippines will send a 46-strong team for the Special Olympics World Summer Games on June 25 to July 4 in Athens, Greece. Cristy Canizares-Gacuma, director of Special Olympics Philippines, said the 46 special athletes will compete against the world's best in the event against 179 other countries. Team Philippines will be competing in athletics, aquatics, bowling, badminton, table tennis, powerlifting and bocce – a ball sport similar to bowling that originated in Italy. "We are appealing for support for the special athletes," said Canizares-Gacuma. The Philippines won nine gold medals in the 2007 edition of the games held in Shanghai, China. Bowler Roxanne Salve Ng is one of the athletes that could perform well in the World Summer Games. The 29-year-old Ng has autism but despite her condition didn't stopped her from winning three gold medals in the singles, doubles and team events in the 2003 Games held in Dublin, Ireland. She followed that performance with a gold medal finish in the mixed doubles event in 2007. Also winning gold medals four years ago were Art Edison Biarcal, Cathy Demafiles and Eugenio Torres (bocce), Louies John Decolongon (powerlifting), Christine Joy Galura (gymnastics), Jesus Pacaldo (athletics), Anton Silos (bowling) and Delmer Tawatao (badminton). The Special Olympic World Summer Games will feature events in aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, judo, kayaking, powerlifting, rollerskating, sailing, softball, table tennis, handball, tennis and volleyball. According to the Special Olympic World Summer Games website, all participants are winners. "Winners in their struggle for our respect in their diversity. Winners in their struggle for self-esteem. Winners in their struggle to defend their special abilities," said the website. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News