Interest, development, and funding in Filipino athletes and sports has proven itself a worthwhile investment as international sports standings improve.
With the closing ceremony on October 13th, 2018, the Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia provided the Philippines with 29 medals and an improved standing at 11th place over their previous 24th place ranking. Filipino athletes took home 10 gold medals, 8 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals solidifying this year as the Philippines’ best showing in Asian Para Games history.
Two Filipino athletes were in the spotlight to lead the Philippines through the Indonesian Paragames, 44 year old Adeline-Dumapong Acheta veteran powerlifter and 48 year old table tennis player Josephine Medina. Other strong Filipino athletes such as Sander Severino, Henry Roger Lopez, Jasper Rom, Arman Subaste, Menandro Redor, Israel Peligro, Francis Ching, Rodolfo Sarmiento, Cecilio Bilong, Ernie Gawailan, and Arthus Bucay were representing the Philippines in Chess, Swimming, Archery, Cycling, and Bowling competitions. Eight out of ten event competitions in October’s 2018 Asian Para Games had athletes representing the Philippines.
Numerous athletes attested the improved showing were a result of continued support by the Philippine Sports Commission and other key resource organizations. Founders, supporters, and sponsors of Philippine sports Ronald Mascarinas of Bounty Agro Venture, Jean Henri Lhuillier of the JP Lhuillier Group of Companies, and Dennis Uy of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines greatly impact the development of Filipino sports endeavors. These three local businessmen were coincidentally nominated for executive of the year in the Asia CEO awards of 2018.
Ronald Mascarinas collaborates with Chooks-to-Go to sponsor aspiring Filipino Olympians through the #ManokNgBayan campaign. Mascarinas also supports the Samahang Baskbetbol ng Pilipinas program. Dennis Uy owns the Phoenix Fuel Masters a Philippine Basket Association (PBA) team, Uy is also a presidential adviser for the sports and founding owner of Siklab Pilipinas which sponsors underfunded sports. Jean Henri Lhuillier acts as the chairman of the Board for the Philippine Tennis Association, Lhuillier is also a manager for the National Men’s and Women’s Softball teams.
These individuals along with countless others have provided funding and consistent support for Philippine sports and Filipino athletes. It is programs like the ones mentioned above which assist in allowing access to sports education and practice for all Filipinos. With immense investment in local sports, the Philippines is sure to bring more talent to international competitions and gain worldwide recognition for their athletic capabilities.
Philippine bettors may also see more local wagering options as more Filipino athletes compete worldwide. Numerous sportsbook offer table tennis, swimming, cycling, archery, and lifting wagering options and while these categories were occupied by Filipinos during the 2018 Indonesian Asian Para Games, it is sure as more athletes arise Philippine sportsbooks will expand their offers.
