Marcos honors PH paralympians: Their dedication to compete gives us hope

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday honored Filipino athletes who are joining the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

In his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes' Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Marcos said all Filipino Olympians persevered and highlighted the Filipino talent in the field of sports.

''Soon, the Paralympic games will [start], and the six Filipino Paralympians are already making us proud. The extraordinary strength and dedication to compete despite their disabilities are a symbol of hope for all of us,'' Marcos said.

''The national pride they brought and continue to bring home is unrequitable — not by awards, not by effusive praises, not by incentives,'' he added.

Marcos said the country has heard the stories and the sacrifices that the athletes have to endure, including the struggles of financial constraints.

''And yet we see them and they have come through,'' the President stressed.

''That is the definition of a modern hero and a testament that each of us is capable of becoming one; by uplifting our fellow men and women, serving our communities, and working to save our heritage for future generations,'' he added.

Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc have been tasked to carry the Philippine flag at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées on Thursday, August 29, PH time (Wednesday, August 28, Paris time).

Joining them at the parade are para track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, para swimmer Angel Mae Otom, and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.

The country's Paralympics delegation left on August 11 for Paris for the games to be held from August 28 to September 8. —KG, GMA Integrated News