Team Philippines begins Tokyo Paralympics campaign

The Tokyo Paralympic PH team during the Summer Games opening ceremony on Tuesday. PSC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Team Philippines officially began its campaign in the Tokyo Paralympics, participating in the opening ceremony Tuesday night at Japan’s National Stadium.

Led by flag bearer

Jerrold Mangliwan,

who is competing in wheelchair racing, the Philippine delegation waved miniature Philippine flags as the athletes and the officials paraded clad in Barong Tagalog.

Five athletes will be representing the country in swimming, athletics and taekwondo competitions, beginning with Gary Bejino who opens the Filipinos’ bid on Thursday in men’s swimming 200m individual medley SM6.

Bemedaled para swimmer

Ernie Gawilan

first sees action in men’s 200m IM SM7 event on Friday along with Rio Paralympian Mangliwan, who will race in the T52 men’s 400-meter preliminary heats.