The Philippine Para Swimming Team is making the best out of their water training a few weeks before the 2021 World Para Swimming World Series from June 12 to 21 in Berlin, Germany.
The Para Tankers have been in bubble training for two weeks now at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.
Before the bubble training, the para tankers led by Paralympic-bound swimmer Ernie
Gawilan only had limited training for almost a year, particularly water training.
“Iba po talaga nandiyan coach mo kasi pinupursige kang i-push sarili mo para sa ensayo para lumakas ka, lumakas kami,’ Gawilan shared.
Despite making it to the Paralympics, it is still important for Gawilan to join the Paralympic Qualifier to have his disability reclassified.
Gary Bejino is also working doubly hard, hoping to clinch his first appearance in the quadrennial meet.
Bejino reached the minimum qualifying standard but fell short in getting the qualifying points.
“Ang lagi kong nasa isip dapat higitan ko ‘yung dating best ko para sa susunod di na ako kukulangin ng points para siguradong pasok na… kung gaano ako kapositibo siguro nasa 100%. Konti na lang, maaabot ko na yung hinahangad ng bawat atleta na makapaglaro sa mataas na lebel ng kompetisyon,” Bejino said
Aside from Gawilan and Bejino, Arnel Aba and Roland Sabido are also bent on getting into the Relay Team at the Paralympics.
“Makapasok sana. Sana makapasok kami sa Paralympics kasi pangarap din naming makapasok sa ganoong event kasi big event yun,” Aba said.
The said tournament will be the final qualifying event of the Para Swimming Team for the Tokyo Paralympics. – Report by Ma. Isabel Reyes/ JBB-rir
