LED by two-time gold medalist Arnel Aba, the Philippine swimming team is expected to make waves in the 7th Asean Para Games in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar set January 14-20.
Aba leads the six-man pool delegation to the meet that comes three weeks after the 27th Southeast Asian Games concluded in the same Burmese capital.
The multi-titled Filipino tanker currently holds the Southeast Asian Para Games record in 200m backstroke, 200m freestyle, and 200m individual medley.
The Speedo elite athlete is also a two-time gold medalist in the 2010 Asian Para Games.
Aba is set to compete in the 200m and 400m freestyle events and 200 individual medley.
Gary Bejino, who copped a silver and bronze medal in last year’s Asian Youth Para Games, will be joining Aba in the swimming team.
Completing the roster of swimmers are Ernie Gawilan, triple gold medal winner and record-breaker in the 2011 Asean Para Games, Daniel Damaso, Roland Sabido, and Remegio Lobos.
The Philippines will be sending a total of 58 athletes and 17 officials to Nay Pyi Taw to compete in seven sporting events namely, archery, athletics, chess, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball.
Spearheading the team are chef de mission Ral Rosario, head coach Tony Ong, and assistant coach Paul Vista.
This year, the Asean Para Games expects to gather more than 1,500 differently-abled athletes who will compete in 12 sporting events.
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