PWDs out to prove their worth in IronMan

RAUL ANGOLUAN

RAUL Angoluan is a double-arm amputee, Jomar Maalam was born without both legs, while Godfrey Taberna is a biker with a right club foot.

Despite their physical limitations, these three members of the ParaTriathlon Association of the Philippines (PTRAP) have always wanted to prove something.

That’s why expect them to go all-out against 74 relay teams in this Sunday’s Cobra Energy Drink IronMan 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

“We will give our very best to finish and break our own records,” said 37-year-old Taberna, who will represent the team in the 90-kilometer bike leg.

The trio assured that being differently-abled athletes will not stop them from putting up a strong showing in the relay competition that includes a 1.9-km swim off Hilutungan Channel and the 21.1-km run in barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City.

“My disability is not an excuse not to compete). I want the country to see that I am able to contend with the competition,” said Angoluan, the 38-year-old native of Cabagan, Isabela in northern Luzon.

JOMAR MAALAM

Taberna admitted that there would be obstacles to hurdle as a paratriathlete but he said it would be more of a mental factor than a physical aspect.

He said he is optimistic of his chances as “there is something to prove to the people.”

Angoluan, for his part, said he would be looking forward to the event as he vowed to “give the best he can” and “enjoy the race.”

Last year, PTRAP’s relay teams finished 4th and 9th places among the 66 local and international teams.

Maalam also bested 2,600 other able-bodied swimmers. Taberna clocked in two hours and 47 minutes in the bike race, while Angoluan finished his run in 1:48:40.

Taberna, who hails from Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, described his three-month preparation as “hardcore training.”

Angoluan said training had been non-stop.

“Since 2014 when I joined Ironman, my preparation is train everyday simultaneous with my workout as a national athlete,” he said.

Maalam found his way to the when PTRAP coach Vince Garcia started conducting training in Zamboanga del Sur for para-triathlon events in 2013.

GODFREY TABERNA

Maalam then competed in the secondary swimming event of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa and finally made it to the national team.

The teams is also set to compete in the Mount Mayon Triathlon next weekend.

“Hopefully our experience in IronMan 70.3 would give us momentum in achieving better race results there,” said Garcia.

Angoluan and Taberna urged their fellow PWDs to persevere despite their physcal limitations.

“To the people like us who have disabilities, do not give up on life. Let’s trust the works of the Lord. Let’s stay positive in life,” said Angoluan.

“Make this as your stepping stone. You have an ability, not a disability,” Taberna said.