A priest blesses the 15 donated sports wheelchairs from the Australian Embassy to the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Inc. at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. RAY CHARLIE DIAZ
The Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Inc. Wheelchair Basketball Program successfully ended yesterday at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Antonio Abatol, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the mini-tournament that concluded the two-day event, strongly encourages other differently-abled people to try the sport. “For those who are still afraid to come out of their shell because of disability, join us and we’ll work together in boosting our confidence,” he said.
PADS Inc. Executive Officer John Paul Maunes expressed his gratefulness to all those who supported the program. “The event was very successful. On behalf of PADS Inc., I would also like to extend my deepest thanks especially to the LGUs and the Australian Embassy,” he said.
The Australian Embassy donated to PADS Inc. various sports equipment for the differently-abled athletes. They provided 15 sports wheelchairs, two racing wheelchairs which can be used for marathons and paratriathlons, stand-up paddle boards and a kayak for adaptive water sports.
Also present during the event was Jose “RJ” Acha, the athletic director of Fly Basketball, a 3×3 organization. “Thank you for letting me witness this event and I hope this will continue,” he said. “I will be talking with our president, Dondon Hontiveros, about this and we will be digging deeper into this side of basketball,” he added.
The culmination of the two-day event had the participants — Cebu Wheelers, Mandaue Warriors and the PADS Wheelchair Basketball Team, competing in a mini-tournament which was officiated by the Cebu Basketball Referees Association (CeBRA).
The Cebu Wheelers bagged the championship after defeating Mandaue Warriors, 31-27, and PADS, 42-37.
Mandaue Warriors placed second with a win against PADS, 33-28. The PADS placed third despite having no wins.