The Philippine Paralympic Games contingent members smile as they are shuttled to the Paralympic Village in Paris. In front are (from left) taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin (partly covered), swimmer Angel Mae Otom and wheelchair thrower Cendy Asusano. Handout/PSC

MANILA -- The chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hopes Filipinos will rally behind the country's six para athletes as they vie for glory in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris.

The 17th edition of the Paralympic Games will open on August 28, with the ceremony set to take place outdoors at the Place de la Concorde and Champs-Elysees in Paris, France.

"Let us all rally behind our six Paralympians similar to, if not more, to what we gave their able-bodied counterparts in the Paris Olympics," PSC chairman Richard Bachmann said in a recent appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

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Set to represent the Philippines in the Paralympics are: para track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin and archer Agustina Bantiloc.

They have been training in Nimes, France since August 11 with their respective coaches, and checked in at the Paralympic Village last Wednesday where they were joined by chef de mission Ral Rosario and Philippine Paralympic Committee director for sports development Milette Santiago-Bonoan.

"Just like our Olympians, we spent for our PH Paralympians so they can train in France early and acclimatize to the conditions there," said Bachmann, who will leave for France on August 27. 

"We have some strong potential in athletics and swimming and hopefully they will be able to bring home medals back to the Philippines," he added.

The country is coming off a historic performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where gymnast Carlos Yulo produced two gold medals while boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas brought home a bronze medal each. 

Bachmann is guardedly optimistic that their efforts will inspire the para athletes to excel and deliver as well. 

READ: Pinoy Paralympians to wear ethnic-inspired uniforms in opening ceremony

National para athletic head coach Joel Deriada said that the weather in the romantic French capital was generally cool to warm.

"Medyo mainit at 19-degree Celsius this morning (afternoon in Manila) pero the other day medyo malamig at 12 degrees," said Deriada.

After the inaugural rites on August 28, Bantiloc will get the Philippines' campaign going on August 29 in the women's individual compound event at the Esplanade des Invalides archery range.

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