Kent Tumangan. | Facebook photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team wishes one of their paddlers, Kent Tumangan, the best of luck as he is scheduled to compete in the Para OCR World Championship of the ongoing World Obstacle UIPM 2023 OCR World Championships in Genk, Belgium.
Tumangan is scheduled to compete on Friday, September 15, in the 100-meter sprint and 3-kilometer short course Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) categories.
He is one of the six para obstacle course athletes that is part of the Philippine team, who will be competing in the world championships.
PADS general manager JP Maunes said that Tumangan, a rower who four years ago lost his right leg due to an infection, was an inspiration.
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“You are the epitome of resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit. Your journey to the OCR World Championships in Belgium is nothing short of remarkable. Just a few years ago, when your doctor gave you a grave prognosis, you defied all odds and showcased the true power of second chances,” said Maunes.
“Your story is an inspiration to everyone around you. You have not only embraced life, but you have seized it with both hands and squeezed out every drop of potential. Regardless of the challenges thrown your way, you have refused to let setbacks define you. Instead, you have risen above them, proving that the human spirit knows no bounds. May this experience in Belgium serve as a reminder to never give up, to keep pushing forward, and to always strive for greatness. You are an inspiration, and the world is in awe of your indelible spirit. Go, Kent Tumangan, and conquer the OCR World Championships. Show the world the endless possibilities that lie within the human spirit,” he added.
Aside from the challenge of going up against the world’s best para-athletes in obstacle course racing, Tumangan was also faced with financial challenges for his trip abroad.
Earlier, he was seen posting on social media, appealing to the public to help him financially as he competes in Belgium.
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Tumangan was one of Cebu’s finest para-athletes in the emerging sport of obstacle course racing.
He grabbed everyone’s attention earlier this year when he made it to the national team after PADS established its adaptive sports program and introduced OCR as a new sport aside from dragon boat racing to their members.
The other members of the Philippine team’s para-athletes who will be competing in the OCR World Championships are Mark Joseph Casidsid, Renson Embradura, Julius Obero, and Calim Sim Jr.
Also, the men’s elite of the Philippine team is comprised of Jay-R de Castro, Mervin Guarte, Sherwin Managil, Kevin Pascua, Ahgie Radan, Jeffrey Reginio, Jaymark Rodelas, and Elias Tabac.
The women’s elite team consist of Precious Cabuya, Melissa Campos, Kaizen dela Serna, Silamie Gutang, Sandi Menchi Abahan, Ailene Sabal, and Mhik Tejares.